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Conserve Water Wisely

Clean, high-quality water is a precious resource. And it’s one we’re proud to deliver. We encourage you to join us in thinking smart about water. Use these simple tips to start conserving wisely. Click below to read the tips that interest you most or scroll down for many great ideas.

Saving Water Inside

Leaks

Toilets

Faucets

Saving Water Outside

Save Water Inside

In the bathroom and around the house, it is easy to save water. Try these indoor water conservation tips and see the savings firsthand:

• Take shorter showers.
  
  
• Plug the drain before you start to fill the tub. Plugging the drain first prevents wasting water.
  
  
• Invest in an ultra low flush (ULF) toilet. Using only 6 litres per flush, it can reduce your water consumption by 20%–30%. The Regional Municipality of Waterloo has additional information about low flush toilets and rebates you may be eligible for.
  
  
• Use the load selector on your washing machine. It will match the water level to the size of your laundry load. If you don’t have a load selector, only wash full loads.
  
  
• Keep a container of cold water in the fridge, so you don’t have to run the water until it gets cold when you’re thirsty for a cool drink.

Look Out for Leaks

No matter how committed you are to water conservation, if you have a leak you’re wasting water. To avoid surprisingly high costs on your next water bill, inspect for potential leaks in your toilets and faucets. The faster you find and repair leaks, the less they will cost you in the long run.

Check Your Toilets

You can test your toilet for leaks in two ways:

1. Quick check

• Look at the water level in the water tank.
  
  
• The water level should be ½ inch (1.25 cm) below the top of the intake to the toilet.
  
  
• If the water level is higher, your float is set too high and needs to be adjusted.

2. Slow leak

• Mark the water level in the water tank with a pencil.
  
  
• Turn off the intake water supply valve located behind the toilet bowl.
  
  
• Wait at least an hour (make sure no one uses the toilet during this time).
  
  
• If the water level has dropped, you have a slow leak – check the condition of your flapper valve.

Check Your Faucets

Although faucet leaks are easy to spot, the amount of water they waste isn’t always as obvious.

• A slow drip wastes 75 litres of water in a single day.

Save Water Outside

Outdoor watering is one of the major causes of water supply depletion in our region. This year, consider these tips for outdoor water usage:

• Water in the early morning or late in the evening, according to the region’s lawn watering by-law. This allows plants to absorb the water fully.
  
  
• Use mulch. It helps the soil retain moisture and reduces the need for frequent watering.
  
  
• Cover swimming pools when not in use to reduce water evaporation.
  
  
• Use a bucket and sponge to wash and rinse your vehicles.
  
  
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways.
  
  
• Use a low-rise sprinkler head. Make sure you are not watering sidewalks and driveways.