Proper sanitation remains critical in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19. We urge everyone to follow the advice of public health professionals to wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

But even if we’re turning on the washroom tap more than usual these days; we mustn’t forget summer activities that have a much greater impact on water use. Here are a few tips to save water (and money) this summer.

Outdoors

• Regularly check outside spigots, garden hoses, and irrigation systems for leaks
• Only water lawns when needed and in the early morning hours, and not on windy days
• Set lawn mower blades higher as longer grass means less evaporation
• Weed lawns and gardens regularly as weeds compete with other plants for water
• Always water as close to plant roots as possible, and use mulch around trees and plants
• When planting, choose native plants or those well-adapted to your climate zone
• Collect water in a rain barrel for use on indoor and outdoor plants
• Cover swimming pools when not in use
• Wash cars with a bucket and sponge instead of a hose
• Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways

Indoors

• Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets, and replace old fixtures with low-use models
• Take shorter showers
• Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they’re full
• If washing dishes by hand, use two basins rather than letting the water run
• Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or microwave instead of running water
• Never use the toilet as a wastebasket