Seeing Green by Being WaterSmart
In 2004, Manitobans used an average of 219 litres of fresh water per day, as compared to an average of 329 for all of Canada. Our per capita consumption is among the lowest in the country, but that doesn’t mean we should be resting on our laurels. In the United Kingdom, average use is just 149 litres, while Germans use only 129 litres.
WaterSmart Manitoba is a provincial water-efficiency program that will help all of us to become more efficient at conserving our precious water resource for future generations. Initially focusing on single family residential households, the initiative will be building to include other water–use sectors.
Why save water?
WaterSmart Manitoba is designed to make us all aware of how we consume water and educate us about ways to cut back our consumption. The goal of the program is to save at least 80 million litres of water annually. By achieving this goal, we will do more than protect our water sources – we will also save money. In addition to reducing our household water bills, we can delay the need to expand our municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, and prolong the life of our in-ground sewage disposal systems, such as septic fields.
Households may choose to conserve water for a number of reasons. Residents might be motivated by the financial savings from reduced water usage. Take, for example, the case of low-flow shower heads. Not only is water saved, but energy costs can also be lowered because less natural gas, electricity or other fuel is used to heat the water. In some regions, the use of water-saving fixtures may be mandated by a building code. Other households may choose to limit consumption to reduce their impact on the natural environment.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to conserve water, the following tips will help you achieve your goals.
Water-saving tips
Money-saving opportunities
Fascinating facts about water
Additional resources:
Manitoba
Water Stewardship
Green
Manitoba
Manitoba
Hydro's Power Smart for Your Home
Manitoba's
Water Quality Handbook
Agricultural
Soil and Water Management
Amerispec Home Inspection Services
Climate
Change Connection Tips for Climate-Friendly Living
in the Bathroom
Climate
Change Connection Tips for Climate-Friendly Living in
the Kitchen
Climate
Change Connection Tips for Climate-Friendly Living in the
Laundry Room
For more information on water use across Canada, view the 2007
Municipal Water Use Report compiled by Environment
Canada.
