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Water conservation – every drop counts
The importance of protecting our water resource cannot be overstated. In economic terms, the measurable contribution of water to the Canadian economy is difficult to estimate. In environmental terms, water is the lifeblood of the planet. Without a steady supply of clean, fresh water, all life, including human, would cease to exist.
The perception that Canada is blessed with an abundance of fresh water has led to misuse and abuse of the resource: from household toilets that use 20 litres per flush where 6 litres would do, to industrial plants – and some municipalities – that use water bodies as convenient sewers.
In 2001, the average Canadian daily domestic use of fresh water per capita was 335 litres.
The quantity, quality and economic problems we face as a result of our use of water are complex but, at least one of the causes of these problems is easy to manage – the way we waste water.
And, the solution is straight forward – water conservation. Simply stated, water conservation means doing the same with less, by using water more efficiently or reducing where appropriate, in order to protect the resource now, and for the future. Using water wisely will reduce pollution and health risks, lower water costs, and extend the useful life of existing supply and waste treatment facilities.
And it's easy. With little change to the way we do things now, or the equipment we use, we can reduce water consumption in the home, and in business, by 40 percent or more. These pages outline the role of water conservation in addressing problems related to water use and water quality. It also shows
us what part we can play as residential consumers in finding solutions.
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