BEING GREEN How to Reduce D id you know that Canadians consume more water per capita than any other nation except the United States? Environment Canada notes that the average Canadian uses approximately 327 litres of water a day – that’s almost as Your Water Consumption at Home much as Europeans. As our population grows, more of our limited supply of fresh water is being used up. Therefore, it is important that we use our water wisely and not waste it. Many home water conservation tips are about watering lawns and washing cars, activities that don’t apply to the typical condominium resident. But according to the David Suzuki Foundation, bathing and showering account for about 35 per cent of home water By Jennifer Young use, while toilets are responsible for about 30 per cent. That adds up to 65 per cent of all residential indoor water use occurring in the bathroom. Here are a few easy water-saving ideas for your bathroom and home to reduce costs and help the environment: FAUCETS AND SHOWERHEADS Does your faucet drip? A leak of one drop per second results in about 10,000 litres of water lost over a year – the equivalent of approximately 70 baths. Using faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads can reduce your water by 25 to 50%. They’re easy to install and are available at most major retailers. Enbridge usually Jennifer Young, LEED Green Associate, is the sales & marketing coordinator at Provident Energy Management Inc. Jennifer can be reached at [email protected]. For more information about Provident Energy Management Inc, visit www.pemi.com. offers a showerhead rebate – the new program is available this spring. Check the Enbridge website (www.enbridgegas.com) for more information. TOILETS Consider replacing your toilet with a low-volume or dual-flush toilet model. Old toilets average about 18 to 20 litres a flush, while a new water-efficient toilet uses less than 6 litres per flush. That adds up to significant water savings. The City of Toronto recently cancelled its toilet rebate program, but many other municipalities, including Brampton, Markham, Richmond Hill, Durham and Peel 52 | DEL Condominium Life | Spring 2013 regions, still offer incentives for water-efficient toilets. Check your drought-resistant plants because they require less maintenance local municipalities’ websites for more information. and water. Other water saving ideas for around your home Many of us take water for granted, especially if the cost of water • Keep a jug of drinking water in the fridge to avoid waiting for consumption is included in our condominium’s maintenance fees. cold running water. But reducing the condominium’s water consumption will reduce • When you brush your teeth, never let the tap run continuously. operating costs and ease the burden on our city’s water infrastruc- • Use a high-efficiency Energy Star—rated appliances and run ture. These simple water-saving methods will help the environ- only full loads. ment, your wallet and your community. • If you have plants on a terrace or balcony, choose native or DEL Condominium Life | Spring 2013 | 53