Indoor water saving tips
The bathroom
- Turn the water off while you're brushing your teeth.
- Remember the toilet is not a trash can. Throw tissues, insects and other trash in the wastebasket, not the toilet.
- Install low-flush toilets in your home.
- Save water by limiting your shower to the time it takes you to soap up, wash down and rinse off.
- Check for toilet leaks by putting a little food colouring in the tank. If the colour begins appearing in the bowl after a few minutes even without flushing, your toilet has a leak. Repair it immediately!
- Fix dripping faucets.
- Install water-saving showerheads.
The kitchen
- Catch clean water from your kitchen faucet by keeping a small tub or bowl in the sink. Use this water on your houseplants.
- Follow the odd/even watering schedule. If your address ends with an odd number, use water for your laundry and dishwasher only on odd-numbered days. The same rules apply for even-numbers.
- Store a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for drinking so you won't have to let the faucet run to get cold water.
- Use a small pan of water to wash, peel or clean vegetables rather than letting the water run.
- Limit your use of the garbage disposal as it requires a sizeable amount of water to operate properly.
- Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods.
- Don't rinse dishes before loading them into your dishwasher.
- When buying a new washing machine, choose one that is water efficient.
- Fill kettles only to the depth required.
- Cook food in as little water as possible.
- Never pour grease or oil down a drain.
The laundry room
- Follow the odd/even watering schedule. If your address ends with an odd number, use water for your laundry and dishwasher only on odd-numbered days. The same rules apply for even-numbers.
- When buying a new washing machine, choose one that is water efficient.
- Check the Climate Change Central website for a list of washing machines that have rebates available.
- Ensure you always have a full load, or adjust the water level to suit your wash load.
Everyday activities
- Try to do one thing each day that will result in saving water. You can make a difference!
- When eating out, encourage restaurants to serve water only on request.
- Verify that your home is leak free.
- Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster.
- Encourage your school, employer and neighbours to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.
- Be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules in effect in our community.
Every drop counts!
Further information
780-467-7785
watersaver@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Friday, June 25, 2010
Page ID: 2158