It is actually quite easy to cut back on the amount of water we use if we follow the 3Rs of water conservation: reduce, repair and retrofit.

First R: Reduce

Much of the water we use in our daily activities is simply wasted. Just about everywhere we use water there are ways to conserve. Here are some suggestions:

• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily and don’t use it as a wastebasket.
• Take quick showers instead of running a full tub for a bath.
• Keep a bottle of drinking water in the fridge rather than letting your tap run to get cold water when you want a drink.

Second R: Repair

Leaks can be very costly. A leak of only one drop of water per second wastes about 10,000 litres of water per year. Most leaks are easy to fix and repair costs are minimal.

• Leaking faucets are often caused by a worn-out washer that costs pennies to replace. Ask at your local hardware store for a faucet repair kit and instructions.
• A toilet that continues to run after flushing can waste up to 200,000 litres of water a year. To find out if your tank is leaking, put a few drops of food colouring in the toilet tank. Wait a few minutes. If the colour shows up in the bowl, there’s a leak.
• Toilet leaks are often attributable to a few common, and easily repaired, problems. If you’re a do-it-yourself type, consult a book or a friend for how to make repairs to the valve seat. Otherwise, call a professional for help.

Third R: Retrofit

Retrofit refers to adapting or replacing an older water-using fixture or appliance with a newer, more water-efficient device. While new devices often cost more, they can save water and money in the long run.

• Toilet retrofits can reduce water use by 70%.
• Low-flow showerheads can reduce water use by half, and
• Low-flow aerators for faucets can cut consumption by 85%.

For more information on reduce, repair and retrofit visiting Environment Canada's Freshwater Website