|
|
|
|
|
     |
||||||
|
||||||
     |
|
Water-Wise Tips for Bathrooms
You're only a flush away!The next time you flush your toilet, think about how much water you use each time. On average, each of us uses well over 100 litres of water a day just flushing the toilet! Toilets account for 30% of your total indoor water use. Combined with showers and baths, the bathroom represents about 65% of your home's total indoor water use. Yes you can retrofit your toilet!Your toilet is by far the biggest water-guzzling appliance in your house. There are many products that you can install in the tank of an existing toilet to reduce the amount of water used in a flush cycle. These devices fall into three generic categories:
See your local plumbing supply or hardware store to find out which type will work best for your toilet. Don't put rocks or bricks in your toilet tank because they can break down over time and cause damage. Don't flush your money away!If your toilet is more than ten years old, it's probably a water waster. Replace it with a new efficient 6 litre ultra low-flush toilet and use between 50% and 70% less water per flush. Ultra low-flush toilets use a smaller water tank and a specially designed bowl to give you the same flush power but with much less water. Your toilet is not an ashtray
Take sailor showers!
If you still prefer bathing, don't overfill the tub; one-quarter full should be enough. Control your water flowReplace your showerhead with a new low-flow model. Look for one with a flow rate of 9.5 litres per minute (2.1 gallons per minute). Also, install aerators on your faucets (see pamphlet entitled "Water-Saving Devices"). Most CSA-approved showerheads and faucets will have their flow rates stamped on them, in either litres per minute or gallons per minute. Don't let your water run away on you
Be a leak seeker!To check for leaks in your toilet tank, put a little food colouring in the tank. If, without flushing, the colour begins to appear in the bowl you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Regularly check faucets, pipes, and the base of your toilet for leaks, and repair promptly. REMEMBER, the WISE USE OF WATER will save you money and help improve the environment. 
An environmental citizen uses water wisely |
|
||||||||||||
 |
||
|
| Help
| Search
| Canada Site |
|
||
|
The Green LaneTM, Environment Canada's World Wide Web site
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
Never flush garbage of any kind down the toilet. Household cleaners, paints, solvents, pesticides and other chemicals can be very harmful to the environment. Paper diapers, dental floss and plastic tampon holders all create problems at wastewater treatment plants. Use durable containers to store hazardous products and then dispose of them properly.
Take shorter showers whenever possible. If your shower is equipped with a shut-off valve, turn off the water while you are soaping and shampooing, then rinse off quickly – this is called a sailor shower.
When washing, brushing your teeth, or shaving, never let the tap run continuously. Fill a glass with water for mouth rinsing while brushing your teeth. Rinse your razor by filling the bottom of the sink with a few centimetres of warm water.
