Outdoor Water Use Tips

Lawn Watering FAQs

• Do I have to “go brown” in order to conserve water?

  No, although that certainly helps. The biggest mistake that people make with their lawns is over-watering. It is possible to use a very conservative amount of water and keep lawns healthy. An established lawn will go dormant and may turn brown during hot, dry spells. A good rainfall or cooler weather will revive a lawn quickly. Watering lawns sparingly or not at all saves up to 17,000 litres per household over the summer months.

• What is the main mistake people make when it comes to watering lawns?

  The biggest mistake is over-watering. Carelessly set up sprinkling systems waste water by broadcasting potable water onto driveways, sidewalks, roads and other non-landscaped areas. Taking time to set up your irrigation system correctly is an important step in reducing your overall water consumption.

• When can I water my lawn?

  Lawn watering regulations are in effect May 1 to September 30. Water a lawn for an hour once a week during the regulations to allow for deep watering of the roots.
  
  STAGE 1:
  Residential
  Even-numbered addresses: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 5 to 9 a.m. & 7 to 10 p.m.
  Odd- numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 5 to 9 a.m. & 7 to 10 p.m.
  
  Non-Residential
  Even-numbered addresses: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1 to 8 a.m.
  Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1 to 8 a.m.
  
  STAGE 2:
  Residential
  Even-numbered addresses: Monday 5 to 9 a.m. & 7 to 10 p.m.
  Odd-numbered addresses: Thursday 5 to 9 a.m. & 7 to 10 p.m.
  
  Non-Residential
  Even-numbered addresses: Wednesday 1 to 5 a.m.
  Odd-numbered addresses: Tuesday 1 to 5 a.m.
  
  STAGE 3:
  Residential and Non-Residential: Prohibited
  
  
  

   

• What is the best time to water your grass?

  The best time to water grass and all plants is early in the morning so that plant matter dries out throughout the day. Wet plants and cool evening temperatures encourage mold growth.

• Do water restrictions apply to soaker hoses or in-ground sprinkler systems

  Yes. Any sprinkler system that is being used to irrigate a residential or commercial lawn (other than those exempted) or flower and vegetable garden is subject to these restrictions.

• I just installed a new lawn. Can I water outside the watering restrictions?

  The City of Campbell River’s Water Department issues temporary watering permits for newly seeded and sodded lawns. Please contact the Water Department at 250-203-2316 for more information. Permits can be requested only during Stage 1 watering restrictions. No exemption permits will be issued during Stage 2 or 3; however, any permits issued under Stage 1 will remain valid.

  • For recently seeded properties, your permit can be used for a period of 45 days, on any day between the hours of 5 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.
  • For recently sodded properties, your permit can be used for a period of 21 days, on any day between the hours of 5 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.

• What is the easiest, most practical way to keep my lawn green without wasting water?

  In hot weather, raising the lawn mower blade an extra quarter of an inch will do wonders for keeping your grass green. Most lawn mower blades only go up to three inches, so raise it to the highest setting. Some specialty mower blades can go as high as six inches. The longer you leave your grass, the longer the roots will grow. Deeper roots allow for better moisture retention, and a hardier lawn. Longer grass helps shade the soil, which prevents it from drying out, and also prevents weeds from germinating.

• What are some water-wise tips for the lawn?

  • Use slow release or natural fertilizers for long-lasting benefits
  • A healthy, vigorous lawn crowds out weeds and reduces pest damage
  • Consider natural alternatives to pesticides, herbicides and insecticides.
  • An hour a week of watering or rain is all you need for a healthy lawn with a strong root system

• Once an automatic system has been installed, what's next?

  Have someone come to your home every spring to test the irrigation system. Check for plugged nozzles, and ensure that there are no broken lines (due to freezing) and that nozzle heads are still pointing where they should. Also, check the system once per month during summer.

• Are there water exemptions, such as for nurseries?

  Watering regulations are meant to reduce water use in ways that do not cause serious economic hardship. Those users requiring water as part of a commercial operation are also expected to conserve water. Under Stage 3, all forms of watering are prohibited, with the exception of watering that would affect businesses. Playing fields, nurseries, and commercial greenhouses are granted exemptions to the sprinkling restrictions in Stage 3.