On average, every Canadian uses 335 litres of water just indoors, and this number can double in months when water is being used outdoors for lawns and gardens. It’s not uncommon for a family of four to use over 800,000 litres of water every year! The pie chart to the right really puts into perspective how water is being used inside the average Canadian home.

If you are interested in reducing your water bills or helping preserve our local water resources, download a copy of Hamilton: A Guide to Wise Water Use (.pdf 2.62 MB). 

What is the easiest way to reduce water use indoors?

1. Learn about using water wisely with the Revised Wise Water Use Booklet (2007).
2. Complete the first edition (2002) Wise Water Use Booklet and complete the water log. Change that old water-guzzling toilet to an ultra low-flow toilet; often, a family of four can have a low-flow toilet installed and have it paid for in water savings in less than three years
3. Use low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce water flow by up to 50%; these will also help reduce your energy bills (hundreds of dollars per year in energy savings alone, based on an average family of four - see below)
4. Look into new water-efficient appliances; it's surprising just how much water can be saved by purchasing a new water-efficient dishwasher or clothes washer

How much water does it really use?

Did you know that a 20-year-old toilet can use up to 20-litres per flush, and a five-minute shower can use up to 100 litres? By making some small changes in the way we use water, we can save both water and money.

Check out some of these estimated savings, based on a family of four and 2007 Hamilton water rates:

• Switching from a 20-litres per flush to a 6 litres per flush. At a savings of $182 per year, a low-flow toilet can be paid for in around two-and-a-half years (toilet cost of approximately $250 plus professional installation of approximately $100 for a total of $350). 
• Switching from a 12-litres per flush to a 6 litres per flush with savings of $80 per year. 
• Installing a low-flow showerhead for this family of four can save $109 per year on water alone with an additional savings of  $35/year for heating costs (based on five-minute showers). 
• Installing a low-flow showerhead and cutting shower times in half can save $160 per year plus heating costs. 
• Switching a 20’ x 30’ area of lawn into a water-efficient groundcover can save you $57 per year just on water — never mind gasoline for your mower and the time it takes to cut the grass (leaving you with more time for more meaningful endeavours!) 
• Keeping a jug of water in the fridge can save a family of four $22 per year – just from not running the taps until the water gets cold. 
• Replacing a 20-litre toilet with a low-flow model (6-litre) and installing a low-flow showerhead, combined with shorter showers and keeping a jug of water in the fridge, can save $406 every year.

Remember — Every Household will be different.

Using the Wise Water Use Booklet or the will help you to identify how much water you can save and potential payback periods for investing in water-efficient appliances and fixtures. Take the time to fill it out and see how you can save on your water and energy bills!

Sources:
Environment Canada
Ministry of the Environment and Energy

Links to more Indoor Tips & Topics:
Low Flow Toilets
Safer Alternatives to Household Cleaners
Environment Canada - Find information here on how we use water for consumption, industry, navigation, and recreation
Ministry of the Environment - Get a fresh outlook on water and drinking water in Ontario