Free 'Tap By Tap' Energy and Water Savings Kits for Saanich Residents

For Release on or after March 1st, 2011 (Victoria, BC)

Free Energy and Water Saving Kits ($35 retail value) are now available for District of Saanich residents thanks to the Tap By Tap Saanich initiative - an innovative partnership between the District of Saanich, the Capital Regional District, FortisBC, City Green Solutions and financial support of the Government of Canada through the Department of the Environment. Each kit includes a high-efficiency showerhead, swivel head kitchen faucet aerator, bathroom faucet aerator, thread seal tape, shower timer, installation instructions and a Household Guide to Water Efficiency booklet.

"The Tap By Tap Saanich program is providing District of Saanich residents with the tools to reduce water and energy use, save on energy and water bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated through water heating" explains Mark Boysen, Sustainability Coordinator for the District of Saanich. The Capital Regional District is also enthusiastic about supporting practical initiatives that engage residents in order to meet regional sustainability goals. "Reducing water use and saving energy is easy when you have the support to make the change. We are excited to lend our support to a pilot program that conserves natural resources and protects our environment" says Larisa Hutcheson, General Manager of Environmental Sustainability at Capital Regional District.

Saanich residents will not have to sacrifice performance to realize the benefits of the energy and water saving kits. The showerheads are easy to install and provide great pressure from nine jets, ranging from gentle needle spray to forceful jet. The kitchen sink swivel aerator provides 360° swivel action and features an on/off lever that eliminates the need to readjust the temperature each time you turn on the tap. The bathroom faucet aerator provides a soft stream, perfect for hand-washing and teeth-brushing.

By taking the simple step of using more efficient water fixtures in their homes, Saanich residents can reduce their environmental footprint and start saving money on their energy bill. "Energy conservation and environmental responsibility are fundamental values for FortisBC, and we are committed to helping our customers be as energy efficient as possible," said Doug Stout, Vice President, Energy Solutions and External Relations, FortisBC. "Water heating accounts for almost one third of the energy used in a typical home in B.C., and by simply installing the products in each Energy and Water Saving Kit, homeowners can save over 40,000 litres of water, reducing their energy bills by up to $92 per year."

Beginning March 1st, Saanich residents can pick up their free Energy and Water Saving Kit at the Main Reception Desk of the Saanich Municipal Hall (770 Vernon Ave - Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm). Bring your old showerhead, proof of address, and utility account number for your water heating system (FortisBC for natural gas water heating, BC Hydro for electric water heating). The program is currently only available for Saanich residents on a first-come-first-served basis. The kit is easy to install and all the old fixtures collected will be recycled. To learn more visit www.TapByTap.ca, find us on Facebook or call 250.381.9995. Tap by Tap is an initiative of City Green Solutions. For information on how to start an energy and water savings program in your community contact City Green Solutions.

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Media Contacts:

Mark Boysen
Sustainability Coordinator
District of Saanich
Mark.Boysen@saanich.ca
250.475.5494 ext 3466

Andy Orr
Senior Manager, CRD Corporate Communications
aorr@crd.bc.ca
250.360.3229

Marcus Wong
Corporate Communications Manager
FortisBC
marcus.wong@fortisbc.com
778.571.3263

Peter Sundberg
Executive Director
City Green Solutions
manager@citygreen.ca
250.381.9995 ext 102