Water saving

Wise water use: The 4 R's

• Reduce the quantity of water used.
• Replace unsuitable vegetation, and replace water-wasting devices with water-saving ones.
• Repair leaks; sometimes all it takes is a new washer.
• Re-use rainwater: The City gives rebates on rain barrels!

By applying the 4 R's, a family can conserve tens of thousands of litres of water annually.

Tips and Tricks

Reduce:

• Don't drain more water than necessary from the pool for the winter. Treat the water to avoid having to drain the pool and refill it in the spring. Don't fill it higher than 15 cm from the edge to avoid losing water by splashing.
• Sweep driveways, parking areas and patios instead of hosing them down.
• Wash the car at the car wash when necessary.
• Avoid watering areas that don't need it.
• Avoid watering in broad daylight, when it's hot and windy. Water by hand.
• Avoid watering lawns and other well-established, tolerant plants, especially during periods of drought.
• Keep the grass long (10 cm): it will withstand drought better and keep more moisture in the ground. Leave grass clippings on the ground and shred fallen leaves on the grass to improve water retention.
• Turning off the tap to shave or brush your teeth saves more than eight litres of water each time.
• Fill the sink with water to wash fruit and vegetables rather than let the tap run unnecessarily.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until it becomes cold.

Repair:

• Inspect garden hoses and pool connections, and repair any leaks.

Replace, add or modify:

• Use a pool blanket to reduce evaporation.
• For outdoor sprinklers, opt for automatic shut-off models with rain gauges or humidity sensors, or use a timer.
• Use large-drip nozzles to limit evaporation, a drip irrigation system or perforated hoses.
• Seed a variety of drought-resistant plants (such as clover) in with your grass, and spread a thin layer of compost annually.
• Add compost to the soil mix for grass and other plants, and place an 8- to 10-cm layer of mulch in landscaped areas to increase water retention.
• When buying plants, choose perennials, which need less water than annuals. Remember, the right plant in the right place: for each species, select a location where it will thrive, and try to choose native species.
• Install a low-flow tap aerator to cut water use in half.
• When replacing your dishwasher, remember to choose one that saves water. The new models can reduce water consumption by 25%. Wait until the dishwasher is full before turning it on.
• Replace old toilets with new ultra low-flush models.

Re-use:

• Use rain barrels to collect water from eavestroughs.