Conservation Tips and Programs

Why Conserve?



Whatever your motivations there are many reasons to conserve water. When you reduce the amount of water you use at home you can reduce your water bill (for metered accounts, see below), and if you are reducing water that you heat (for showers, washing dishes and laundry) you will also notice a difference in your electricity bill.

Not only can conserving water save you money it also is part of living a sustainable lifestyle. Many people believe that fresh water is abundant or unlimited because of the water cycle. But this isn't necessarily the case. When we extract water at a rate that cannot be replenished by precipitation the health of the watershed is impacted.

When We Use Less Water


What can I do?


According to Environment Canada the average Canadian uses 329 litres per day . Canadians are the second highest water users in the world, second only to Americans. When compared to other developed countries with a high standard of living our water use is sometimes double or more (for example, in France the average water use per person is only 150 litres).

You can make a difference in our water demand by cutting out excessive water use and waste. Just remember, small changes add up - every drop counts!

Check out the Showerhead Exchange Program

Conserve water in the bathroom
  • Consider replacing old toilets with flush volumes of 13L or more with a newer water-efficient model (6L or less)
  • Water savings per year: 45,990 litres (6L), 61,042 litres (dual-flush)*
  • If replacing your toilet is not an option, consider installing a toilet displacement device that decreases the volume of your tank - you can make your own by filling a water bottle half way with rocks and placing inside your toilet tank
  • Water savings per year: 6570 litres (reducing tank volume by 1 litre)*
  • Replace your standard showerhead with a low-flow showerhead (from 14.68 litres/minute to 5.69 litres/minute)
  • Water savings per year: 68,720 litres*
  • Energy savings per year: 254 litres of oil and $203.46 on your electricity bill*
  • Take shorter shower; if you shower for 7 minutes try reducing it to 5 minutes
  • Water savings per year 20,661 litres*
  • Energy savings per year 76 litres of oil and $61 on your electricity bill*
  • Install faucet aerators - this is a very easy and inexpensive fix
  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, washing your face and shaving
  • Fix the leaks

*based on family of four

Conserve Water in the kitchen
  • When buying or replacing a dishwasher consider one that has the Energy Star* or Water Sense label
  • Install a faucet aerator on your kitchen sink
  • Don't let the water run continuously when rinsing dishes or washing vegetables
  • Defrost foods in the refrigerator or in the microwave rather than under running water

*EnergyStar dishwashers use 15 litres per cycle compared to 22 litres for conventional dishwashers

 

Conserve water in your yard or garden
  • Cut out lawn watering completely - allow your grass to grow a bit longer to retain water. 
  • Water your garden in the cool hours of the morning or evening - use mulch to keep in moisture.
  • Consider plants that require little to no water. Learn more about xeriscaping. 

Did you know that watering is permitted for no more than two hours per day anytime during the hours of 5 Planter planted with drought-tolerant sedums a.m. and 10 a.m., and from 7 p.m. and to 1 a.m. during periods of Seasonal Water Restrictions. All lawn watering is banned during Water Shortage Restrictions.

Spot watering of gardens, flower beds or hanging baskets are permitted at all times under the Seasonal Water Use Restrictions and Water Shortage Restrictions, however, there are many ways to create landscapes that require less watering, such as Xeriscaping.

Conserve water during outdoor activities
  • Think hard before filling up the pool this year - does it get used enough to warrant that water use?
  • If you have a pool be sure to use a pool cover to eliminate evaporation
  • Use a bucket and sponge rather than a hose if you wash your car
  • Use a broom rather than a hose to clean your driveway

 


Links: 


• Our Water Source - for information on the Winter River Watershed
• Be Water Friendly - for more information on Charlottetown water conservation
• The Inspired City - for information on the City's Sustainability initiatives, including the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP)