Report of the FCA Water Conservation Committee April 14, 2010 WCC Members: Marion Clark, David Collyer, Garnet Hunt, Bill Larner, Giselle Roeder, Pam May-Straka (chair) Additional representation from the RDN, Team WaterSmart, and Fairwinds Resort

The FCA Water Conservation Committee was established in January, 2007 to address the higher-than-average water consumption rates within the Fairwinds community Objectives: raise awareness of residential water use within the community, develop programs that will provide support, information, and education to encourage reduction in water consumption Work with existing agencies and organizations to foster water conservation indoors and in the garden How are we doing and what are we doing?

Where are we? Leading the pack in water consumption 2009 Summer range in Fairwinds was 0 to 7.6 m3/d (0 to 1672 gallons/day) with an average of 2 m3/d (440 gallons/day)

Summer Water Use May – September 2009 Comparison of Fairwinds with total Nanoose Bay water system Nanoose Bay Fairwinds Total number of homes Avg use (m3/day) (gallons/day) # low water users # medium # high % Low % medium % high 3 25 Low m3/day OR gallons/day Medium m3/day gallons/day High >2.8 m3/day >616 gallons/day 1 m3 = 220 gallons

Top ten users in Fairwinds 2009 summer billing cycle May through September, 119 days Daily consumption ranges from 5.1 to 7.6 m3/d avg = 5.84 m3/day or 1285 gallons/day Total consumption by the top ten 5.84 m3/d X119 days X 10 users = 6,950 m3 = 1,528,912 gallons = 6,941,260 litres Current water prices escalate with amount of water used: Up to 0.7 m3/d $ to 1.4 $ to 2.1 $ to 2.8 $ to 3.5 $2.04 >3.5 $ m3/d = $11.86/day for water = $ for the 119 days

RDN Toilet Rebate Program Financial incentive to replace old toilets (13 litres/flush) with new low-flow or dual flush models Two rebates per property $50 rebate for new 6 litre toilet $75 rebate for new dual flush toilet Download application form from

RDN toilet rebate program commenced in November, 2009 Approximately 50% of the $35K in funding has been used to date Fairwinds is in Electoral Area E

FCA Water Conservation Committee Activities Update Monthly meetings to set programs, develop new initiatives Earth Day Celebration April 22 nd, 2010 from 1-4 pm at Fairwinds Centre Exhibitors and experts will be on hand to help you with gardening problems, give you new ideas, and raise awareness of our unique natural setting Team WaterSmart conservation-related workshops Healthy gardens, irrigation systems, native plants, etc. Some will be held at Fairwinds Centre for your convenience 2010 calendar featuring local photos with conservation tips 1500 calendars printed, all costs covered by advertising photo contest now running for 2011 calendar – info on website Brochures and booklets available at Fairwinds Centre Topics include low flow toilets, healthy lawn care, identifying leaks, using rain barrels, efficient irrigation. Provided by Team WaterSmart Website conservation page – full of tips and ideas, download brochures Gardening questionnaire –fill out at AGM or download from website Help us focus WCC efforts on programs/events that are of interest to you Fairwinds Resort is the only corporate sponsor of Team WaterSmart*. This enables us to bring programs to Fairwinds Centre and access financial and educational resources to help our community (*other partners are the RDN, City of Nanaimo, and Town of Qualicum Beach)

Fairwinds Earth Day Celebration Thursday, April 22 nd, 1-4 pm Neil Scott Room, Fairwinds Centre Free admission – everyone welcome Door prizes, complimentary coffee & treats Join friends and neighbours for an afternoon of conservation conversation Get tips on improving the health of your garden and our natural areas Lots of information handouts to help you conserve water & save money Chat with experts and exhibitors, view displays, see whats new Coastal Invasive Plant Committee Easy Living Landscaping Hartman Land Design Nanoose Naturalists Northwest Bay Nursery O rganic master gardener Sea Soil Team WaterSmart Presented by FCA Water Conservation Committee and Team WaterSmart. Hosted by Fairwinds Resort