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Water: An essential but limited resource!
In Canada, all we need to do is turn on the faucet to have access to drinkable water. It is a readily available resource that is also very easily wasted. On average, Canadians use more than 300 litres of water every day. This is more than double the average European consumption-itself enormous compared to that in South America, which can be low as 30 litres a day or less. Let's just say it's worth thinking about.
To avoid wasting water, here are a few options…
Bath and shower
Showering is faster, more convenient and greener than taking a bath. By showering, you conserve the 150 litres that you would otherwise need to fill your bathtub. If you limit your shower to just 5 minutes, you cut your water consumption by nearly half, and by changing to a low-flow showerhead, you almost halve your water usage again!
Toilet
Toilets are your home's most water-hungry units. A traditional tank uses up to 18 litres per flush. It is important to know that some of the more recent models are very water-efficient. You can also find "green" toilets with a dual flush toilet valve that gives you the option of a full flush (6 litres) or a partial flush (3 litres).
Without needing to get into major renovations to replace your toilet, you can improve your environmental footprint simply by placing a bottle filled with water inside the tank.
Washing machine and dishwasher
With the introduction of the Energy Star standard, household appliances on the market today have changed considerably. Energy Star certified models are more energy-efficient and use up to 40% less water.
For a list of Energy Star certified brands in appliances, visit the Office of Energy Efficiency Web site.
Fixing leaks
According to Environment Canada, almost 30% of a household's total water consumption is due to leaks. It is therefore important to check faucets, garden hoses, plumbing, toilets and water heaters on a regular basis.
For information and tips on efficient water consumption, visit Environment Canada's Web site to view the following resources:
