Running the faucet until the water is cold or hot enough can waste several litres of water per minute. For cold water, keep a jug in the fridge so cool, refreshing drinking water is always at the ready. For hot water, install an on-demand system like an undersink tankless water heater or recirculating system.
Read more: Capital Regional District – Information on on-demand water heaters (PDF)
5. Practice smart gardening
There are many ways to conserve water in the garden. You can start with something as simple as watering before 9:00 am to reduce evaporation, then move on to larger projects like xeriscaping (a landscaping technique to reduce water usage). Other ways to conserve: water plants with a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler so water reaches the roots directly, choose drought-resistant plants, and avoid watering paved areas and overwatering – lawns need only about 2.5 cm of water per week.
Read more: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
6. Harvest rainwater
Mandatory in some parts of the world like Australia and California, rainwater harvesting runs from the simple to the complex. On the easy end of the scale, rain barrels can be used to collect roof runoff, which is useful for outdoor watering. More elaborate systems can involve pumps and buried cisterns, and provide a secondary water source for indoor uses such as the toilet.
7. Buy water-efficient appliances
Washing machines and dishwashers with an Energy Star rating will save more than just energy. Qualified clothes washers use about 7,000 gallons less water per year than a standard machine, while Energy Star dishwashers use approximately 430 gallons less per year. As well, some models of both machines come with soil sensors, allowing the washers to “know” when they can use less water for loads that aren’t as dirty. To save even more water, always wash a full load.
Read more: Energy Star
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