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        Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Conserving Water

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Why do we need to conserve water? 

We all know water is essential, but too many of us think it's unlimited - especially in Canada, where we use more water per capita than anywhere else in the world except the United States. The reality is that fresh water is a finite resource that is becoming scarce. While it's true that water is constantly being recycled through the Earth's water cycle, people are using up our planet's fresh water faster than it can be replenished.

A warming climate is drying up our lakes and rivers. And, here in Saskatchewan, as demand grows for expanding irrigation, communities and industrial use, so too does the risk of contamination. The easiest, most cost-effective and powerful thing we can do to protect and preserve water is learn to use less. 

 

Piggy Bank

What are the benefits?

Using water wisely will reduce pollution and health risks, extend the life of existing supply and waste water treatment facilities and save you money - not just on your water and energy bills, but also in municipal property taxes that would have been needed to build larger systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can make a difference!

What can you do?

So much! Here are several easy ways you can start saving water and money right now. For many more great ideas, click here to download a guide by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and SaskEnergy.

 

  • Take advantage of the Provincial Toilet Replacement Rebate Program and replace your inefficient toilets with low-flow or dual-flush models. You'll save a huge amount of water and get a $50 rebate for every toilet you replace.  
  • Install a low-flow showerhead and take shorter showers.
  • Install faucet aerators and remember to turn off the tap when you're brushing your teeth or shaving.
  • Keep a jug of drinking water in the fridge rather than running the tap and waiting for cold water.
  • Only run the dishwasher when there's a full load.
  • Wait until there's a large load to run the washing machine and invest in a front-load model. Front load washing machines have a large load size capacity and use approximately half the water of a conventional machine.
  • Check your taps for leaks. A leak of only one drop per second wastes about 10,000 litres of water a year - enough to fill 85 bathtubs!
  • Water your lawn in the morning after the dew has dried. Use a rain barrel instead of the tap - it's cheaper and your grass and plants prefer it! You can make your yard less thirsty with xeriscaping.
  • Wash your car with a sponge and bucket rather than a hose or pressure washer.
  • Use a broom to clean your driveway instead of spraying it with water. It's good for the environment and your body!

 



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