Make Every Drop Count: Stage 1 Water Conservation

The District of Tofino has announced that our community is entering Stage 1 Water Conservation Procedures beginning Tuesday, May 12, 2026. With minimal rainfall in the forecast and an increase in daily water demand, it’s more important than ever that we all do our part to conserve water.

What Does Stage 1 Mean?

Stage 1 is all about education and encouraging everyone... residents, businesses, and visitors... to make simple changes that add up to big savings for our water supply. These measures help reduce the risk of more severe restrictions later in the summer.

Key Guidelines for Stage 1

Water conservation information and educational materials must be displayed in:

• All accommodation units and rooms
• All visitor-facing commercial businesses (including restaurants, retail, and booking offices)
• Kitchens, cash registers, and websites
• Businesses can create their own water conservation messaging or download ready-to-use materials from the District’s toolkit. Materials are also available at the Tourism Tofino Visitor Centre and the District of Tofino Municipal Office

Outdoor Watering:

• Watering of food plants is permitted using a handheld container.
• Watering of lawns, gardens, trees, and landscaped areas is permitted using a handheld hose with an automatic shut-off mechanism, a handheld container, a sprinkler, or a drip irrigation system.
  

Why It Matters

Drier and busier summers are putting extra pressure on Tofino’s water supply. Our water is collected with gratitude from the old-growth forests protected by the ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht) Tribal Parks and drawn from five creeks on Meares Island. Tofino’s flow-through water system is naturally limited and especially vulnerable during dry, high-demand months. The District’s 2024 Water Master Plan highlights a growing deficit during busy periods... when demand can exceed what the creeks can supply.

Climate change and population growth are expected to increase this pressure, making conservation essential to ensure a reliable water supply for drinking, firefighting, and community needs.

Our Stance on Water Conservation

As a community-owned business deeply rooted in Tofino, we fully support these conservation efforts and encourage everyone to join us in making every drop count. At Tofino Co-op, we are committed to:

• Check your property for leaks or drips and repair them promptly
• Keep showers to four minutes or less
• Turn off the tap when washing, shaving, or brushing teeth
• Only run full loads of laundry and dishes
• Follow outdoor watering guidelines and use water-efficient fixtures where you can
• Spread the word with kindness and community spirit

Enforcement & Fines

The District encourages voluntary compliance, with a focus on education and kindness. However, new bylaws include higher fines for non-compliance, for example, failure to display water conservation information can result in a $500 fine for businesses. Let’s help each other make water conservation a true community effort.

How You Can Help

Simple actions can make a big difference:

Fix leaks promptly and avoid unnecessary water use

Use water-efficient appliances and fixtures

Collect rainwater where possible

Follow watering restrictions and guidelines diligently

Spread the word with kindness and community spirit

Learn More & Get Involved

For more information about water conservation stages, tips on saving water, and downloadable resources, visit:

Make Every Drop Count

Together, we can protect Tofino’s water supply, preserve our natural heritage, and ensure a sustainable future for all. Tofino Co-op stands united with the District of Tofino and our community in embracing water conservation as a shared responsibility. Every drop counts!