Water Conservation

The bathroom accounts for roughly 50% of your indoor water use. Learn how to check for leaky toilets and read tips to save water. 

Install water efficient toilets and fixtures

Save water and money by installing low- or dual-flush toilets (4.8 L or less), low-flow showerheads (under 7.6 L/min) and faucets (under 5.7 L/min) and faucet aerators.

Turn off the tap

When washing, brushing your teeth or shaving, never let the tap run continuously. Fill a glass with water to rinse your mouth when bushing your teeth. Rinse your razor by filling the bottom of the sink with a few centimetres of water.

Fix leaky faucets and toilets

To check for a toilet leak, place a few drops of food colouring or dye test tablets (available at home improvement stores) in the toilet tank. Do not flush; wait 10-15 minutes. If the bowl water changes colour, you have a leak.

It's all about cleaning wisely in the kitchen. 

Don't leave the water running

Keep a jug of drinking water in the fridge. If washing dishes by hand, gather washed dishes in a rack and rinse them with a spray or in a pan of hot water. If you have two sinks, partially fill one with soapy water and the other with rinse water.

Use the dishwasher wisely

Only run the dishwasher when it is full, and use the energy saver or shortest cycle.

Use a faucet aerator

Install a low flow aerator on your sink faucets to reduce your water use by 25%.

Track water meter use, wash clothes wisely and know how to shut off your main water supply.

Wash clothes wisely

Use less water, electricity and detergent by purchasing a high efficiency washing machine. To save even more, try to only do laundry when the machine is full. If you have to do smaller loads, be sure to adjust the water level on your washing machine to match the size of the load.

Use the water meter to track leaks

Suspect you have a leak? Turn off all indoor and outdoor water use and look at your water meter for signs of leakage.

Know how to turn off your main water supply

In case your pipes burst, the main water shut-off valve is typically located on the foundation wall where the drinking water pipe enters your home. Make sure you know where it is and how it works. If going on vacation, you can protect your home from leaks or frozen pipes by turning off your main water supply and opening the taps to drain water from the plumbing. 

Pick the right plants and maintain your backyard efficiently. 

Practice responsible car washing

Take your car to a commercial car wash; find a location where the wastewater won’t flow into a catch basin. Or, use a bucket and small of amount of water that can be emptied into a toilet or laundry sink.

Consider water efficient plants, trees and vegetables

Native plants and trees are low maintenance and naturally drought-tolerant. Vegetables such as asparagus and rhubarb, and herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage, also require minimal watering.

Maintain a Water Efficient Lawn

Healthy lawns only need 2.5 cm of water once a week, including rainfall. Water overnight or in the early morning to eliminate evaporation, and consider aerating in the spring or fall to help water reach the roots. Remember to keep in mind our watering restrictions from June 1 to September 15 each year. See Ontario Clean Water Agency's Water Efficient Landscaping Handbook for more information.

Run a water-efficient pool

Use a pool cover to conserve heat. The cover will also reduce the amount of water (and chemicals like chlorine) lost through evaporation.