Water Conservation

Meaningful, long-term water conservation is all about developing good water use habits. Habits that once established require very little thought or effort. And as the following video explains, water conservation in British Columbia (and Alberta) is more important than ever.

These water conservation facts and tips can help you cut your water consumption—to save you money and reduce your impact on the environment.

How Does Your Household Compare? 

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadians use approximately 251 litres of water per person, per day, distributed in the following ways.

Using Less Outdoors

Check for Leaks Outside spigots, hoses, and irrigation systems should be checked regularly for leaks.

Irrigation Water lawns only when needed, in the early morning hours, and not on windy days.

Lawns Set lawn mower blades higher, as longer grass means less evaporation.

Weeding Weed lawns and gardens regularly as weeds compete with other plants for water.

Efficient Watering Water as close to plant roots as possible, and use mulch around trees and plants.

Go Native Choose native plants or those well-adapted to your climate zone.

Old Tech Collect water in a rain barrel for use on indoor and outdoor plants.

Swimming Pools Cover swimming pools when not in use.

Car Washing Wash cars with a bucket and sponge instead of a hose.

Sweeping Up Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways.

Using Less Indoors

Check for Leaks Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets, and replace old fixtures with low-use models.

Shower Habits Taking even slightly shorter showers can result in big savings over time.

Save it Up Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they’re full.

Kitchen Clean-up If washing dishes by hand, use two basins rather than letting the water run.

Defrosting Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or microwave instead of running water.

The 3Ps of Flushing Never use the toilet as a wastebasket. Remember the 3Ps: Pee, Poo, and Paper (toilet paper that is).