Water conservation: What you can do
All Albertans are asked to consider ways to use water wisely. Conserving water is always a good habit and it can help your community, as well as Albertans downstream from you.
If looking for ways to save water, there are small steps that everyone can take. Learn more about water conservation or get ideas for ways to save from the tips below.
Indoor water conservation tips
Take shorter showers. Reducing shower time by 5 minutes will save about 100 litres of water per day.
Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving. Turning off the water when brushing your teeth can save about 32 litres per person, per day.
Fix leaks, including leaky toilets and faucets. This can reduce water use by up to 10%.
Fill the sink instead of letting the water run when washing dishes.
Keep a jug of cool water in the fridge instead of running the tap.
Use dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only.
Invest in modern, high-efficiency appliances that are more energy and water efficient. For example, new front-load washing machines use about 50% less water than older top-load units.
Outdoor water conservation tips in spring and summer
Water your lawn no more than necessary. Also, keeping your grass a bit taller (5 to 7 cm) will help shade the soil and allow better moisture retention.
If allowed, water sparingly in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
Collect and reuse water for outdoor plant use.
Clean outside with a broom instead of a hose.
Check for leaks in outdoor pipes, faucets, and hoses.
Plant drought tolerant vegetation and add mulch to help reduce evaporation and keep more moisture in your soil.
Use a water-saving pool filter.
Local restrictions on water use (Updated April 26, 2024)
Some municipalities in Alberta have put voluntary or mandatory water use restrictions in place as part of a drought response or water conservation plan. This is not an exhaustive list and you should check with your municipality or local water supplier for the latest information on restrictions in your area.
Resources
Contact
Connect with Environment and Protected Areas’ Outreach Services:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Toll free: 310-3773 (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]