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A new report by Insights West indicates that British Columbians are taking steps to reduce their water consumption, even though many places have no restrictions in place.
The new online survey says that 88 per cent of residents have stopped watering their lawn over the past two months, and 86 per cent of those who own a car say they have not washed it. Additionally, 63 per cent of residents claim to be taking shorter showers, and 53 per cent are relying on their dishwasher less than usual. Of those polled, 48 percent say they are operating a washing machine less than usual.
The hot, dry weather is also affecting the health of British Columbians, as three-in-ten have stopped exercising outside due to air quality. That number is even higher in the Fraser Valley, with 47 per cent reporting their outdoor physical activity is at a standstill.
“While British Columbians appear to be taking steps to reduce their water consumption, they are also reporting that some of their peers have not been particularly careful,” said Mario Canseco, Vice President, Public Affairs at Insights West. “In fact, there is a strong appetite across the province to implement larger fines for people who decide to ignore the water restrictions.”
Practically all residents, 95 per cent, are supportive of the various levels of water use restrictions that have been enacted in the province. Another 41 per cent of British Columbians say they have witnessed someone in their neighbourhood watering the lawn, 25 per cent have seen a person discarding cigarette butts from a vehicle, and one-in-five have observed someone washing the car.
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