Indoor Water Conservation
Be WaterSmart Indoors
Reduce, Repair and Retrofit areas in your home where water consumption is highest. On average, Canadians use about 65% of our water in the bathroom. Kitchens and drinking water account for less than 10%.
Calculate your household's water use by using our How Water Works Water Calculator!
Breakdown of Average Canadian Indoor Water Use
How Can I Reduce Indoor Water Consumption?
- Bathrooms
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- Replacing an older model toilet with a low-flow model can reduce the amount 'flushed' away by up to 65 %.
- Low-flow showerheads can save 108 litres for a six minute shower.
- Repair leaky toilets and faucets which account for 14 % of consumption.
- Daily showers instead of baths can save 40, 000 litres per year.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and shaving.
- With a greywater re-use system installed in your home, you can double the use of your shower water by redirecting it to flush your toilet!
- That can save almost 30% of your indoor water consumption.
- A simple siphon can help collect bath water for re-use outside to water plants.
Links
- Team WaterSmart Brochure - Low Flow Toilets
- Team WaterSmart Brochure - Installing a New Showerhead
- Team WaterSmart Brochure - Identifying Leaks
- Kitchens
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- Dishwashers are the biggest consumers in the kitchen so only use it when it's FULL!
- Repair leaky faucets.
- If a dishwasher needs replacing install an energy efficient model.
Link
- Team WaterSmart Brochure - Efficient Appliances
- Laundry
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- A high-efficiency washing machine can reduce water and energy use by up to 50%.
- Only run the washing machine if there is a full load. Use the level setting on your washing machine.
- Laundry water can get a second use if you redirect it to irrigate your garden - consider a laundry greywater system!
Links
- Team WaterSmart Brochure - Efficient Appliances
- Eco-Friendly Greywater Gardening
Links to More Indoor Conservation Tips
- Environment Canada - More Information on Water Conservation for Your Home
- Map Toilet Performance Testing - Results on Low Flow, Dual Flush & High Efficiency toilet performance testing. Over 2,000 models tested and reported on!