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The AquaStar program was developed to assist Parksville residents lessen their dependence on our water sources for their day-to-day needs. Perhaps dependence can be lessened in the house, out in the yard or for during general activities. Cumulative changes to habits will provide substantial benefits not only for today, but well into the future.

So often, our water systems are taken for granted by British Columbians. The fact that we are the wettest province in Canada doesn't translate to having greater storage capacities. The reality is that over the last few years, areas in south western BC continue to face severe watering restrictions caused by lack of supply. To protect ourselves and prepare for any future potential problems, the City of Parksville has created the AquaStar Water Awareness Program.

The AquaStar program was developed in the summer of 2009 as the City and region experienced one of the driest spells on record. These dry summers may be unusual, they may be periodic cycles in the earth's climate or the result of manmade carbon pollution. However, it is important that we all understand that there is not an abundance of water.

We have begun by taking an in-depth look at how and where the City of Parksville uses its water. Typically, about 70% of all water within City limits is consumed by residential users. Between September 2008 and September 2009, City residential users on meters used more than 1.3 billion litres of water.

Our initial target is to reduce water consumption by 10% in 2010. How do we propose to do this?

• We will educate people - helping them to understand where their water comes from.
• We will help people learn how to lower their water consumption in and around their home.
• We will work with local businesses to help them lower their consumption.
• We will reward those who lower their water consumption.
• We will monitor our progress and continually adapt and work together to achieve our goals!