THE KNOWLEDGE TOOLBOX
How to reduce water pollution by conserving water at home
By Kris Popp
What do the words “water conservation” bring to mind? Sacrifice? Doing without? The reality is that by making very minor changes,
which would in no way compromise our existing lifestyles, many of us could reduce our water
consumption by 40% or more.
For those concerned with the future safety of their drinking water, these potential savings
are significant. The connection is clear: Conserving water helps keep treatment costs at
an affordable, sustainable level. This in turn means a continued supply of safe, clean
drinking water for most Canadians.
There are many simple steps you can take to reduce both the amount of water you waste and
the amount of water you pollute.
Consider the following:
- Don’t leave your tap running continuously while brushing your teeth, shaving, washing
the dishes, or cleaning fruits and vegetables. Instead use a glass of water or a partially
filled sink.
- Run your dishwasher or washing machine only when you have a full load, and use a short,
energy-saver cycle where possible.
- Keep a supply of refrigerated water instead of running the tap until the water is cold.
- Don’t use the toilet as a garbage can or flush it unnecessarily. Objects such as
hair and dental floss can cause problems at water treatment facilities.
- Your toilet is the biggest water-waster in your home. Consider installing a device such
as a toilet dam (there are many affordable options) to reduce the amount of water used
in a single flush.
Use a low-flow showerhead to reduce water consumption in the shower by 50 percent.
- Be watchful for leaky faucets or toilets and repair them as soon as possible.
- When watering your lawn or garden, use a sprinkler or hose that applies the water in
large droplets, as opposed to a finer mist which results in greater waste due to evaporation.
Make sure the sprinkler is suitable to the size and shape of your lawn or garden so that
you don’t end up watering the driveway or sidewalk. Avoid overwatering.
- Explore alternative pest-control methods such as diatomaceous earth in your garden rather
than using hazardous materials such as pesticides. Try naturally fertilizing your garden
with bone meal or peat.
- Use environmentally friendly products whenever you can. When you must use environmentally
hazardous products, ensure that you dispose of them properly.
Remember, water supplies are not limitless and the less strain we put on our aquatic ecosystems,
the better it will be for ourselves and for our environment.
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