Water Conservation

Water conservation means using less water, while being efficient with the water being used. As the population grows, there is increased demand put on our freshwater resources. Our combined decisions to conserve water and energy can help ease the pressure on our water supplies.

The less water used, is more money saved, all while helping the environment and reducing the demands on our drinking water resources. Small adjustments can have a large impact.

Easy ways to conserve water:

• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when there is a full load.
• Install a rain barrel. Plants prefer untreated water so you will be helping your plants thrive while saving yourself money.
• Check your faucets and showerheads for leaks and repair any you might find. A dripping tap can waste 15 litres of water a day, or 5,500 litres of water a year.
• Use a pool cover whenever a pool is not being used. This will reduce the amount of natural water evaporation and heat loss. Your heating bill will be cheaper and you will save water by not having to fill the pool so often.
• Use a layer of mulch in your garden to help retain more water, as well as limit weed growth!
• Install low-flow aerators to faucets and showerheads to reduce water use. Efficient water hardware will allow you to clean up using less water, which means you'll save water and cut your bills.
• Water gardens and lawns in the early morning or in the evening to minimize evaporation. Also spray as close to the ground as possible as water can evaporate before hitting the ground in high temperatures.
• Choose native, drought-tolerant plants and watch them thrive!
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and teach kids to do the same. This can save up to 6 litres of water per minute.
• Take shorter showers. A typical showerhead releases up to 17 litres of water per minute, so cutting shower time by a few minutes can make a big difference.
• Do not flush food, wipes (even if they say they are flushable, they are not), masks, gloves, paper towels, etc. down the toilet.  The drains are not meant to handle this and may clog resulting in costly repairs.
• Do not flush medicine down the toilet.  Return to a pharmacy to be properly disposed of.  Wastewater systems are not meant to neutralize medicine, which can result in it going out to the lake.

Things to Check

• Your water meter.  Turn off all taps and appliances that use water.  Using a light on the meter (turns the meter on) check to see if your meter numbers are increasing.  If they are, you could have a leak.  Call a plumber to check for leaks.
• Toilets can be big water users if they leak.  Take the lid off the tank of the toilet.  Put several drops of food colouring in the water.  Do not use the toilet for at least 30 minutes.  After 30 minutes, check to see if any of the food colouring is in the toilet bowl.  If there is, you have a leak and need to replace the flapper.

Ontario SaveOnEnergy Program

This program provides opportunities to save Energy in a number of ways, including an energy affordability program.  Visit SaveOnEnergy.ca to learn more.