By tending the land in a more sensitive manner that is water-conserving, Vancouverites can ensure that fresh water will continue to flow well into the future. The City of Vancouver has developed as part of its Water Conservation Program, an initiative to educate citizens about the principles and practices of natural cultivation of the land that conserves water. These methods include contouring of the ground, soil conditioning using compost, collection of rain water, the use of native plants, and passive watering. The contours of the land can be changed to catch the rainwater, and speed or slow its flow, holding it in the ground for use by plants. Compost helps the soil hold water and adds nutrients needed for plant growth.
Mulches prevent the soil from overheating and drying out.
Gather the Rain by catching it in rainbarrels when it falls and holding it for later use. The rainwater costs nothing and it can be used in the garden during the summer when the ground is dry. Plant Naturally by layering plants to make shade and using species that are native to this land. These plants are naturally rain-watered and are adapted to wet winter and dry summer conditions. Water Wisely with a gentle hand and simple tools such as a soaker hose that softly and slowly drips water into the ground.