Conserving and Protecting water from source to tap

Water conservation is a means of providing cleaner and more consistent access to water for all.
All of the water on earth is recycled. However, we do not have an infinite supply. Even in Canada, practicing water conservation is vital.
For individuals living with private wells and septic systems, controlling water use around a rural property helps ensure that well water is always available. A conservative approach to water use also reduces the amount of water flowing into septic systems, preventing system overload.
For municipal water users, the incentive to conserve makes financial sense. The less you use, the less you pay, and efficient water use may reduce the costs of water infrastructure and repairs.

Plant native species and drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they require less frequent watering can tolerate dry periods better than non-native species.

The phrase “waste not, want not” is a key theme when it comes to water conservation. Canadians use an average of nearly 250 litres (L) of water per person per day. More than almost every other country in the world.

Some Quick Water Facts. Did you know?

• Less than 3% of the water that is treated for municipal use is consumed as drinking water. How is the remaining 97% used?
• 75% of indoor home water use occurs in the bathroom. Standard toilets use 40% more water per flush than low flow options
• A 5-minute shower with a standard showerhead uses 65 L more L than a low flow option
• Save water by switching to high efficiency appliances for washing clothes and dishes
• Lawn and garden watering increases demand for water by 50%. Watering thoroughly once a
  week in early morning or evening is more effective than watering daily
• A lawn sprinkler spraying 19 L per minute uses 50% more water than 10 toilet flushes, two 5-minute showers, two dishwasher loads, and a full load of laundry combined

Although most of the earth is covered with water, 97% is in the oceans and too salty for drinking, or agriculture. Much of the remaining 3% is frozen in glaciers, or in the ground, leaving less than 1% of the total available as freshwater for drinking.

Water requires treatment and distribution before reaching your faucet. Conserving water and using it more efficiently is something that everyone can do. This can reduce the cost of water treatment and ensure adequate supply for everyone. Practicing water conservation can also reduce the amount of wastewater produced and extend the life of septic systems.

Water efficiency measures can also lower your water, sewer, and energy bills saving money for property owners and tenants.Using water resources efficiently makes sense for the environment and the economy.