In a world running low on fresh water, Vancouver's consumption record is downright embarrassing. Just ask City of Vancouver councillor Andrea Reimer.
"On July 30, 2009, in the Metro Vancouver region, we used over 2 billion litres of water in a single day," she told CTV consumer reporter Chris Olsen.
Sure, it was in the middle of a heat wave, but that's 1,000 litres of water for each and every one of us in one day. It's not sustainable.
"We on average use two to three times more water than any developed city on the planet," Reimer said.
There is no single solution, but one water conservation plan is easy: a rain barrel. While you can't use it to water a lawn, it's enough water to take care of other needs
"[Use it] just for container gardens, or if you have a specific plant or shrub that needs a little extra water, or if you have planter boxes or something," suggested Sharon Slack, the Vancouver City Farmer's head gardener.
The City of Vancouver sells residents rain barrels for $75 each -- half the normal retail price. And you are allowed to buy two per household.
Water that runs into a roof gutter comes down directly into the barrel with the overflow going into the sewer system. You can even collect it from the roof of a shed, though the larger the roof the more water you'll get. A screen on top is critical.
"That keeps the mosquitoes out," Slack said. "That's all you need. It also keeps baby raccoons from falling in when they climb up to have a drink."
And of course you shouldn't drink the water either. The water isn't under pressure, but gravity can feed a drip irrigation system or maybe even a soaker hose.
And if you want to cut down on water usage this summer, stop watering your lawn. It may go brown but it won't die, and you won't have to cut it either. Something to keep in mind.
To find out more about rain barrels and other ways to conserve water click here.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen.
