Press Release

TOFINO, B.C. – The District of Tofino is challenging businesses, residents, and visitors to curb water consumption by 20% this summer. Stage 2 water restrictions took effect on Monday, May 29, 2023, after a drier than usual spring. By relaunching the successful “20% Challenge,” the District is hoping to minimize the impacts of low water flows during increasingly hot and dry summers.

As climate change increases the severity and frequency of drought conditions all over the West Coast, Tofino is also seeing drier, longer, and hotter summers. In addition, Tofino regularly experiences a substantial rise in water consumption during the summer, placing pressure on our water supply and infrastructure in the months where we receive the least amount of rainfall and reservoir contributions.

The District of Tofino is auditing the water consumption of large, commercial users and working with accommodation providers to engage their guests & seasonal staff in the conservation of one of Tofino’s greatest, but surprisingly limited, natural assets. Visitors and residents can help delay further restrictions by voluntarily reducing water use in their residences, businesses, and outdoors.

Tofino Mayor, Dan Law:
“In the past, I know our community has worked together successfully when water conservation has been urgently prioritized. Noting that this current exceptionally dry period may extend through the summer, I encourage all residents, businesses, and visitors to band together to embrace the 20% Water Conservation Challenge collectively. In 2022, Council authorized staff to develop a Water Master Plan to inform infrastructure improvements over the next 20 years. The plan will address summer population growth, the changing climate, and infrastructure renewal. Collective conservation remains our community’s most affordable option for ensuring adequate water supply during the driest months.”

By encouraging awareness and efficiency in water usage, the 20% Challenge recognizes that the responsibility for conservation is shared by all users, including businesses, residents, visitors and the District. Tofino’s tap water is collected with gratitude from the rainforests protected by Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in the Haahuulthii of the Tla-o-qui-aht Ha'wiih.

Share your water conservation tips on social media using the hashtag #TofinoH20 and follow along at talktofino.ca/water-conservation to track the community’s progress.

BACKGROUND

• District of Tofino’s Water System Overview (August 2022)
- Video of Presentation to Council
• Tofino’s 20% Challenge Page with Data Updates
• District of Tofino Water Conservation Bylaws
• District of Tofino Water Conservation Page

Contact

Keegan McColl

Communications Coordinator

District of Tofino

(T) 250 725 3229

(E) ac.onifot@snoitacinummoc