Besides saving money on your water bill, conserving water helps the environment by:

  • preventing pollution in nearby lakes and rivers
  • preventing greenhouse gas emissions linked to treating and distributing water

Conserving water can also extend the life of your septic system by reducing soil saturation and pollution due to leaks. Protect your drinking water source from pollution by using less water. Overloading municipal sewer systems can cause untreated sewage to flow to lakes and rivers. In some communities, costly sewage system expansion has been avoided by community-wide household water conservation.

How can I conserve water?

Follow the suggestions below to conserve water and save on your water bill!

  • Install low-flow toilets, sinks and showerheads.
  • Turn off taps when brushing teeth.
  • Use a high efficiency washer and only do full loads.
  • Insulate your hot water pipes.
  • Use aerators on faucets.
  • Recycle water where you can.
  • Don't leave water running when it is not in use.
  • Use rain barrels to water lawns and gardens.
  • Fix dripping faucets and toilets.

Check for hidden leaks

Your toilet and water meter are the two main culprits for a hidden water leak. Follow the suggestions below to avoid leaks.

Toilets

Instead of a standard toilet, try a low flow or dual flush toilet. You could use up to 70% less water. Don't use the toilet as an ashtray or trashcan. Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue, or other small bit of trash, you're wasting gallons of water. Put them in the garbage, or better yet, recycle.

How to check your toilet for leaks

A leaking toilet can increase your water usage and give you a large water bill.

To check for a leak, put a drop of food colouring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the colour begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired right away. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.

Water meter

Read your house water meter before and after a two-hour period. Make sure no water is being used during this time. If the meter does not read the same, you have a leak.

Learn how to read my Proread Water Meter       Learn how to read my R900i Water Meter