Rossland is one of 22 Columbia Basin communities to sign up for the Watersmart Ambassador program this summer.
A great summer job for a number of local students, the program trained ambassadors to help communities address water issues. The ambassadors conduct free landscape and outdoor irrigation system audits in order to educate residents on how to improve watering practices and reduce water use.
“I do basic water assessments in homes,” said Rossland watersmart ambassador Lauran Richardson. “I look at automatic and manual sprinklers and how often they water and how long; and go from there.”
Most are surprised to learn that the average lawn only needs 20 minutes of sprinkling.
“Over 20 minutes saturates the lawn and soil cannot absorb any more water,” she said.
“Watering should also be confined to a small area at a time.”
Richardson was hired in May and spent the first few weeks in training sessions. In June, she spent her time door-knocking and dropping off flyers to let people know about the program.
“I’ve done 23 assessments since May 16,” she said. “And I’m getting lots of calls now that the weather is nicer.
“It only takes about half an hour to 45 minutes.”
Rosslanders are already quite water conscious, she added.
“They just want more information – a check-up.”
In addition to residential yards, Richardson is conducting water assessments on Rossland’s 10 parks.
“Five have been assessed so far, and they’re all OK.”
The program goes until August 15, after which, she’ll do a final report.
It’s been a great job for this environmental science student who heads back to UBC Okanagan in the fall.
Contact Richardson at 250-521-0222 to schedule a free appointment.