Water Conservation and Leak Detection

Water is an essential resource, important to our health and the environment.  The average person uses 187 litres of water per day.  As much as 65% of household water use occurs in the bathroom. Making small changes in the ways that you use water can make a big difference to the environment and reduce your water bill.

Water conservations tips:

Inside

• Install low-flow showerhead and high efficiency toilets
• When it's time to upgrade, look for water efficient appliances and fixtures.
• Reduce your shower time
• Run dishwasher and washing machines only when they're full.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving.
• Insulate your hot water pipes.

Outside

• Check your outdoor faucet regularly to be sure that it's turned off and not dripping. Ensure that hoses have shut off nozzles.
• Dry sweep outdoor services instead of using a hose.
• Choose plants that need less water to thrive.
• Mulch can help minimize water loss and manage weeds as well.
• Use a rain barrel to collect water for landscaping use.
• Water in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation.
• Restrict use of sprinklers to only what's necessary and use timers to help limit water use.
• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation.

Leak Detection

·         Toilets that make a hissing sound could signal that water is continually running into the tank. 

·         You can check your toilet for leaks by putting a few drops of food colouring in the water tank.  Don't flush, wait 30 minutes and check the toilet bowl.  If the coloured water has seeped into the bowl, there is a leak. 

·         Faucets that leak at a rate of 1 drip per second can waste 20 litres or more per day.  This can add up over time.

·         Look for puddles or drips from indoor and outdoor fixtures, water heaters, humidifiers or dishwashers.

·         If you have outdoor water lines or watering systems, an underground leak can result in a high water bill.  A professional might be required to identify any issues and recommend a repair. 

The best way to be sure you don't have a leak is to conduct a periodic household leak check.

Read your water meter before going to bed.  Record all of the digits.  Don't use any water before returning to read the meter in the morning.  If no water was used, the reading should be the same.  If the reading is different, you likely have a leak and should identify the source.

How to read your ProRead water meter 

How to read your R900i water meter