Water View

Although water comes out of our taps and goes down our drains, we would be mistaken to think that it's a one-way trip. In fact, water continually cycles through the environment, and both water treatment and water use rely on this cycle.

This illustration suggests that, for many Canadian water users, water isn't just used, it is re-used! A sobering thought next time you flush the toilet and then brush your teeth or drink a glass of water. 

When we think of water in this fashion, we can begin to appreciate the significance water conservation can have on the natural environment. The less water we use, or abuse, the less we degrade this precious natural resource – and the less we have to spend bringing our water resource back to an acceptable standard for public use.

Our abuses extend beyond the eighteen litre toilet flush or the indiscriminate watering of our lawn before, during or after a rain-storm – these are water quantity abuses. However, few of us stop to think about some of the common household chemicals we pour down our drains, flush down our toilets and spray onto our lawns and gardens – our water quality abuses.

Combined with influences from industrial and agricultural pollution and leaking landfill sites, residential impacts are taking their toll on water quality.

Reports in the media about communities with contaminated sources of drinking water are increasing in frequency from one end of Canada to the other. These impacts on water quality are an added factor limiting the supply of water available for use. In other words, we are pushing the water cycle beyond its natural limits.

Water conservation can help give this cycle the breathing space it needs. Treating our water resource with care and respect – using it wisely and returning it to the environment in at least the same condition which we found it – will ensure that this cycle works for us well into the future.

Water wisdom begins at home, by becoming aware of our water using habits. Most of us waste so much water we can easily cut back. Water conservation doesn't mean cramping our lifestyles by doing without; it simply means reducing the amount of water we waste.

It all boils down to common sense, an understanding of the water cycle and the role we play in this cycle. Becoming water wise, by following the steps outlined in this guide, can: reduce water waste; reduce water and energy costs for the household; and, help improve the environment. Being water wise can be habit forming!

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