Case Study: Pacific Sand Beach Resort
Guests of Tofino’s longest running resort were informed about water restrictions as soon as the District of Tofino asked for
cooperation from local business owners.
Pacific Sands Beach Resort owner Dave Pettinger said notices were placed in rooms when the restrictions went into effect in mid July, asking guests to help the resort and the community significantly cut down on water use.
All outdoor taps and showers were immediately cut off and the resort provided buckets for rinsing feet. The resort asked guests to stop using water for other outdoor uses such as washings cars and sports gear.
Pacific Sands already uses rainwater collection tanks to water the extensive gardens on the property.
Pettinger and staff also encouraged guests to cut down by giving them information about general water use.
They asked that guests limit toilet flushing and shower time, and make use of convenient shut-off valves located on showerheads.
Up to five gallons of water are used each time a toilet is flushed, visitors were informed, and the typical shower uses 5 to 10 gallons of water a minute.
Shutting off taps while brushing teeth, lathering up and shaving was another tip, as was keeping a pitcher of cold water in the fridge rather than running the tap until it goes cold.
The resort shut down its guest laundry machines on Aug. 1, and that notice also included information – that the average top-loading washing machine uses 35-60 gallons per load.
Pettinger said that in addition to their combined water use reduction, a big success was the good communication between the district and businesses about usage and supply levels.
“This was a good incentive for us to see benefits of our conservation measures,” he said.