Drought is Not Just a Summer Issue

Drought is not just a summer issue. The effects of drought can be felt throughout all seasons and there is never a bad time to be mindful of your water usage. Build water conservation into your daily routine and help mitigate the effects of drought in your home, business, and community.

Water conservation begins at home. Small steps now can serve you well into the next dry spell.

• Fix leaks promptly. A dripping faucet or running toilet can waste more water than you imagine/
• Install water-efficient fixtures and appliances, such as low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets.
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes, when you aren't actively using it.
• Take shorter showers to reduce water consumption.
• Keep a jug of cool water in the fridge instead of running the tap.

And remember, not everything has to happen at once. Don't have the money or time for new appliances now? Consider swapping for water-efficient alternatives next time you have to fix a faucet or are undergoing renovation. 

Water conservation doesn't stop at the door. Save water outside by considering how best to use your resources.

• Water lawns and gardens during the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
• Avoid watering lawns when it is windy and hot outside.
• Add timers to your water schedule for lawns and gardens.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• Choose drought-tolerant plants for landscaping to reduce the need for watering.
• Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for outdoor use.
• Reduce outdoor washing of vehicles and equipment.
• Reduce the frequency of hot tub filling and turnover.
• Use soaker hoses rather than sprinklers.

Lots of these tips are common sense and you'll likely find you already do a lot of these things without thinking about.

Conserving water and being conscious of our water consumption is a small step we can all take to help our community, and the region, sustain our way of life through periods of drought. 

Talk to your family members, co-workers, and friends about the importance of water consumption and encourage them to take conservation steps in their own homes. By acting now and working together, we can prevent water shortages later.

You can learn more about water conservation and efforts at aquatera.ca/transparency-growth/drought-response