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Water Conservation Tips

Reducing our water usage can:

Ensure we have water for essential services (like drinking, cooking and firefighting)
Help protect the environment and,
Save on our water bills!

Learn how to monitor your water use HERE and see below for tips on to reduce your water use!

Indoor Water-Saving Tips
Leaks	Check your toilet for leaks and repair any leaks found. To learn if your toilet has a leak, you can place a bit of food colouring in the tank. If after waiting 15-20 minutes the colour starts appearing in the bowl without flushing, your toilet has a leak. How much water does a leaky toilet waste? Click HERE for a video from EPCOR to learn how much! Regularly check for water leaks in your home and have them repaired. This includes inspecting taps, hoses and any appliance with a water line (such as humidifiers on furnaces). For more information on water leaks, click HERE.
In the Bathroom	Use a garbage bin to dispose of tissues and other trash, rather than flushing them down the toilet. Consider installing a water-efficient showerhead. They are easy to install and can save up to 3 000 liters of water per month. Consider installing a low-flush toilet in your home. Instead of baths, choose showers and limit showers to 5 minutes or less.
In the Kitchen	Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full. Modern dishwashers use 15-20 liters per cycle, compared to the average handwashing which uses 75 liters per wash. Limit your use of garburator/garbage disposal as it requires a lot of water to use properly. Instead, use your compost bin to get rid of food waste. Use a small pan of water to wash your vegetables and fruits, rather than letting the water run.
Going on vacation?	When leaving for vacation or simply leaving a vacant house for an extended time, it is recommended to shut off your water line at a point after your water meter. This prevents toilets from running and prevents major leaks from plumbing failures. To learn how to turn off the water to your home, see HERE for a video from EPCOR.
Monitor your water use and try to reduce totals over time. Information on how to monitor your water use is found HERE.

Outdoor Water-Saving Tips
Lawncare	Water your lawn between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Early morning watering reduces water loss due to evaporation and helps ensure your plants get the maximum benefit. Water your lawn only when needed, up to 1 hour a week, or 2.5 centimeters (1 inch); less if it rains. You can measure this by placing a container such as a bowl or ice cream pail on your lawn while watering. When the water level reaches 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) you can shut off the sprinklers. This method helps produce a deeper root system that is less likely to be damaged by drought. Cut your grass higher than usual as taller grass holds water better. Leave lawn clippings on the lawn as mulch retains moisture. Position your sprinkler so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas.
Garden	Plant drought-resistant plants and plants native to Alberta. Moreover, reduce the amount of standard grass planted. See HERE for information on how to plant a garden with water conservation in mind. Plant a rain garden, see HERE for more information. Use a rain barrel for watering your garden.
General	Limit the use of fertilizer. Fertilizer can help plants grow but also increases water consumption. Use a broom to clean driveways and sidewalks instead of using a water hose. Wash your car using a bucket of water and a sponge as well as a hose fit with a shutoff nozzle.