Outdoor Water Use

Try and assess the amount of lawn that you actually require for activities. You can replace some areas of lawn with low-growing ground covers like clover or herbs, vegetable gardens or native plant gardens.

Adapted to our Northern Mediterranean climate, native plants are often pest and disease free with no watering and fertilizer required. Converting a traditional lawn to native plant meadows saves time, money, and water! Learn more about native plants.

Green lawns only need one inch (2.5 cm) of water per week including rainfall, even in the driest conditions. Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root systems. Using too much water causes nutrient runoff, promotes shallow rooting and contributes to the buildup of thatch. After a day of heavy rain, consider skipping watering until the following week or install a rain shut-off device onto your irrigation system that will automatically turn your system off when it is raining. 

To reduce evaporation and scorching of leaves from the sun, do not water in the middle of the day. Make sure your sprinkler or irrigation system is watering the lawn and not hard surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks. Fix leaks and broken or clogged sprinkler heads.  

Remember the CRD's Stage 1 Watering Schedule is in effect each year from May 1 through September 30. 

Set your mower height to leave five to six centimeters (about two inches) and cut no more than the top third of the grass length. Longer grass encourages stronger, deeper roots, and can help shade the soil to reduce evaporation. Leave grass clippings to decompose, they act as mini-mulch to reduce evaporation and add nutrients. Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass. Don’t cut wet grass. 

Thatch is the layer of dead matted grass and organic matter that forms between the blades of grass and the soil. A thin layer of thatch can be beneficial, preventing evaporation. Too much thatch (more than 1.5 cm) can be harmful and rob the roots of oxygen and water. Remove thatch from your lawn at least once a year, using a rake, a thatching attachment on your mower or a thatching machine.

Aerate in the spring and fall to improve nutrient uptake by the grass by increasing water absorption, reducing compaction, and helping oxygen and organic matter reach the roots. Aerate by renting a powered aerator or hiring a professional. If you have an underground irrigation system, identify the location of lines before aerating to avoid punctures. After aeration, overseed and dress your lawn with a thin layer of compost to help soil hold water and nutrients. 

Overseed with a low-maintenance lawn seed mixture such as micro clover, fescues and perennial rye grasses for a drought-tolerant and weed-repellent lawn. 
Micro clover will:

• Stay green longer during the dry summer months
• Feed the lawn naturally by fixing nitrogen into the soil
• Reduce weeds
• Save time and energy with less mowing and maintenance

Plan to overseed at least a month before the start of watering schedule (May 1). 

Weeding prevents roots from establishing and draining resources from your lawn. Top-dress damaged areas with sand or soil and overseed before weeds can re-establish. Be sure to handle invasive species properly.

Irrigate in three short bursts to allow water to seep into the soil, reducing runoff and water waste. Divide the time it takes to water one inch (2.5cm) by three. Water for that length of time, turn off your irrigation system off for an hour, and repeat two more times.

For example, if it takes 40 minutes to water your lawn one inch then water for about 13 minutes, wait an hour and repeat two more times. Irrigation controllers can be adjusted for this cycle and soak method.

If you notice areas of your lawn that are always wet, have puddles or show signs of erosion, you may have a leak in your system. Test your system annually, in the daylight, to see if there are leaky heads or hoses that need to be fixed. 

Check out the videos below to learn more about irrigation system leaks:

In the spring, check your irrigation system and garden hoses for thin slits from frost or freezing. Regularly check sprinkler heads (at least monthly) to ensure they are adjusted to spray appropriate landscape areas and are not clogged or malfunctioning. Have your irrigation system checked by a contractor at least once every year.

Before winter, flush your irrigation system to make sure no water will freeze in the system, causing cracks in pipes and sprinklers. Before spring, inspect the system and check for leaks and clogs that may have happened over the winter.

Reduce water waste by adjusting irrigation systems and/or sprinklers so that water does not run down the driveway, sidewalks or street. Regularly check sprinkler heads to ensure they are in good working condition and pointing in the right direction.

Check out the following two videos to learn more about winter and spring irrigation system maintenance:

Scheduling is the process of applying the correct amount of water at the right time. The largest loss of plant materials and the overuse of water is the direct result of improper irrigation scheduling. The biggest problem is watering too frequently. Proper irrigation scheduling is the key to efficient water use and helps to protect our drinking water distribution system.

As well, ensure that your schedule aligns with the CRD watering schedule, in effect each year from May 1 to September 30.

• For the Regional Water Supply System, please refer to the Regional Water Supply Schedule. 
• For the Electoral Areas, please refer to your individual water system for watering schedules.

Check out our video to learn more about irrigation system scheduling:

There are two main types of irrigation systems: micro/drip and in-ground.  

• If you have a large lawn, an in-ground system might be the best choice.  
• If most of your yard is landscaped with plants like bushes, shrubs, or garden beds, a micro-drip system could work better.  
• For yards with both a large lawn and a significant landscaped area, a combination of both systems may be ideal. 

One of the most important parts of an irrigation system is the irrigation controller. This automatic device controls how often, how long, and when each watering session starts. Choosing a controller with the flexibility to adjust to different landscape and weather conditions is key to efficient watering. When properly set, the right controller can help you save water, reduce your water bills, and maintain healthier landscaping.

Irrigation controllers also make it easier to manage your watering schedule, helping you follow the CRD Watering Schedule.

Here are some benefits an irrigation controller can have:

• You can adjust the controller's schedule each month to match seasonal changes and temperatures.
• They use water budgeting to automatically increase or decrease watering based on seasonal needs.
• Options to set different programs for different zones, depending on their specific watering needs.
• Rain and soil moisture sensors will automatically stop watering during or after rainfall.
• You can set the system to run multiple start times for cycle and soak irrigation, which allows water to soak in better.

For the most efficient results you should ensure that the controller you choose has these features:

• Multiple independent programs – especially useful for compliance to the CRD watering schedules 
• Station run times from one up to 200 minutes in one-minute increments
• Multiple start times per program  
• Water budgeting/seasonal adjust feature  
• 365-day calendar, adjusting for leap year  
• Non-volatile memory or battery back-up in case of power failure  
• “Off”, “Auto”, and “Manual” operation modes  
• Capability to add a rain shut-off device or moisture sensor 

Choosing the right irrigation professional is crucial to making sure your landscape gets the right amount of water efficiently. A skilled professional will design a system that fits your lawn's specific needs, considering factors like soil, plants, and climate. They can also install features like rain sensors to prevent overwatering. A proper installation reduces the need for repairs, saves water, and keeps your landscape healthy and vibrant.

If you are considering hiring a contractor to do the design and/or installation of a new system or maintaining a system, ensure they are certified by the Irrigation Industry Association of BC.

Follow these tips to help you choose a contractor:

• Check for valid business licensing with your municipality
• Ask for proof of liability insurance
• Be sure the contractor addresses any of your concerns, such as the best system for water efficiency
• Ask how to turn off the irrigation system in case of an emergency
• Ask how to adjust the irrigation schedule and operate the irrigation controller once the installation is complete. Ensure the watering schedule days and times are in line with the water conservation bylaw.
• Make certain each contractor inspects your property prior to submitting a bid.
• Be sure your contractor has obtained and purchased plumbing and electrical permits for the work to be carried out.