Did you know that Canadians are one of the highest per capita users of water in the world. But by changing our habits, our household water waste could be cut down by 40% (source). 

I wanted to share with you a few things that I do in my house to cut down on water waste.

1. Don’t leave the water running while you brush your teeth

I heard that  saying all throughout my childhood, and I’m sure many of you have as well. One source I read, said that when you leave the tap running while you brush your teeth, it wastes 6 litres of water per minute (source). So considering that you are supposed to brush your teeth for two minutes, thats 12 litres of water! That’s a lot, so don’t leave the tap running while you brush your teeth!

2. Let it mellow

Besides not leaving the tap running while I brush my teeth, I also follow the saying “when it’s yellow, let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down” – I usually flush after a couple pees.

3. Baths vs showers?

If I know I am going to want a nice long shower, I take a bath instead. Then I get to relax a bit longer, read a book, and not feel guilty about wasting water.

4. Keep a carafe near your kitchen sink

I have also started keeping a carafe by my kitchen sink, and while I am doing dishes and waiting for the water to heat up, I fill the carafe with the cold water. I then use this water to fill up my kettle, put in my dogs water bowl, water plants, or drink! This is a very simple method, and I am glad I started doing it.

5. Keep a bucket by your shower

This goes along with the carafe near your sink – when I know I am going to be mopping later that day, I fill up my mop bucket with water while the shower water is heating up. You can also do this every time you shower, and use the water for dog bowls, watering plants, etc.

6. Save that nighttime drinking water

Something my parents have always done, is instead of dumping out extra water from the glass beside you bed in the morning, use it to water plants! A super easy way to not waste water.