Why save water?
Every drop you save lowers your water bill and helps protect the Tamsin River and our local lakes. Using less water also means less energy is needed to treat and pump it, which cuts greenhouse gas emissions. Whether you are looking to reduce your monthly costs or simply want to be a better neighbour to the environment, small changes in your daily routine make a big difference.
How to save water at home
You can cut your water use in several rooms without changing how you live. Here are the simplest ways to start.
Bathroom
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Shorten your shower by two minutes. Install a low-flow showerhead to keep the pressure high while using less water.
- Only run the toilet when you need to. If you have an older model, place a sealed water bottle in the tank to displace volume.
Kitchen
- Run the dishwasher only when it is full. Skip the pre-rinse; most modern machines handle dirty dishes just fine.
- Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water instead of leaving the tap running.
- Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until it gets cold.
Laundry
- Wash full loads only. Adjust the water level setting if your machine allows it.
- Upgrade to a certified water-efficient washing machine when your current one reaches the end of its life.
Outdoors
- Water lawns early in the morning or late in the evening to stop the sun from burning off the moisture.
- Follow the current watering schedule for your address.
- Use a broom to clean driveways and sidewalks instead of a hose.
- If you have an automated sprinkler system, ask about Smart Irrigation Certification to legally water during restricted stages.
Check for leaks
A single drip per second wastes about 10,000 litres a year. That is enough water for more than a hundred showers. Most household leaks hide in the bathroom, but they can pop up anywhere.
Using your water meter
Your water meter is the easiest way to spot a hidden leak. Follow the steps on How to read your water meter to check your current reading. Turn off every tap, hose, and ice maker in your house. Wait fifteen minutes without using any water. Check the meter again. If the numbers have moved, you have a leak.
Toilet test
Drop a few grains of food colouring into your toilet tank. Wait fifteen minutes without flushing. If colour shows up in the bowl, the flapper valve needs replacing.
Tap and fixture check
Look for damp spots around sink pipes, under washing machine hoses, and near the water heater. Replace worn washers or call a plumber for stubborn drips.
Protect your pipes in winter
Wrenford winters bring freezing temperatures that can burst pipes and flood homes. Prevention is much cheaper than repair.
Before the cold sets in
- Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses.
- Shut off the interior valves that feed outdoor taps and drain the lines.
- Insulate exposed pipes in the basement, crawlspace, and garage with foam sleeves.
- Seal cracks in your foundation and around electrical outlets with caulk to keep cold drafts away from plumbing.
When the temperature drops
- Keep your thermostat set to at least 15 °C, even when you are away or sleeping.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air reach the pipes under sinks.
- Leave a slow trickle of water running from the tap if a severe freeze warning is in effect.
Learn more at Protecting water lines and meters from freezing.
What to do if you lose water
If no water comes out of your taps, follow these steps before calling for help.
- Check every cold tap in the house. If one has water, the problem is a frozen pipe inside your walls or under the floor.
- Check the area around your water meter. If it feels freezing or is covered in ice, the main line may be frozen.
- Do not use open flames, propane heaters, or blowtorches to thaw pipes. Use warm air from your furnace or safe electrical heat sources instead.
If you cannot restore water flow or you see water pooling on the floor, call the after-hours utilities line at 519-555-0111 right away. The City can send a water tanker to your property if a main break leaves your whole street without service.
Help and rebates
The City offers a free Home Water Audit service for residents who want a step-by-step review of their plumbing. We also provide practical guides for fixing leaks, upgrading fixtures, and understanding your water and sewer bill.
For questions about your account or to report a leak, contact us at Water account inquiries and information.