Canadians typically use 329 litres of water per day at home, roughly double what Europeans use. The average daily usage per household can be broken down as follows:
| Showering and bathing | 35% |
| Flushing toilets | 30% |
| Doing laundry and house cleaning | 25% |
| Cooking and drinking | 10% |
Source: McGill University
It’s important to use water wisely, from both an environmental and financial perspective. High water consumption leads to equipment issues and wear and tear, which in turn requires financial investments in our water distribution system. The more water we use, the harder our wastewater treatment system has to work, thereby increasing our costs.
Given the importance of our drinking water supply, there are things we can do at home to ensure continued access to quality water.
Tips for reducing water use at home
- Leaky taps and toilet valves can waste more than 400 litres of water a day. Repair leaks in taps, shower heads and toilets as quickly as possible.
- Take shorter showers. Do not let the tap run while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your hands or face. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily.
- Thaw frozen food in the fridge, not under the tap.
- When washing dishes by hand, do not let the water run continuously.
- Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge instead of letting the tap run for cold water.
Reducing our water consumption preserves our water supply and protects the environment.