Residential water conservation

Find information and resources to help you conserve water at home, both indoors and outdoors.

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Water conservation at home

Photo of girl watering flowers using a watering can.

Fresh water is a precious resource that should always be used wisely, especially during periods or drought or water shortage. Find out how you can help conserve Alberta’s water resources both inside and outside your home.

Indoor water conservation tips

  • Icon depicting a round clock face

    Take shorter showers. Reducing shower time by 5 minutes will save about 100 litres of water per day.

  • Icon depicting a toothbrush with toothpaste on the bristles.

    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.

  • Icon depicting dripping faucet.

    Fix leaks, including leaky toilets and faucets. This can reduce water use by up to 10%.

  • Icon depicting a sparkling dish standing next to a bottle of dishwashing liquid.

    Fill the sink instead of letting the water run when washing dishes.

  • Icon illustration depicting a fancy water pitcher.

    Keep a jug of cool water in the fridge instead of running the tap.

  • Icon depicting a dishwasher with dishes.

    Use dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only.

  • Icon depicting a front-load washing machine.

    Invest in modern, energy and water efficient appliances (example: new front-load washing machines that use about 50% less water than older top-load units).

Outdoor water conservation tips in spring and summer

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    Water your lawn no more than necessary. Also, keeping your grass a bit taller (5 to 7 cm) helps shade the soil and allows better moisture retention.

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    If allowed, water sparingly in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

  • Icon of a seedling receiving water from the spout of a watering can.

    Collect and reuse water for outdoor plant use.

  • Icon depicting a dustpan

    Clean outside with a broom instead of a hose.

  • Icon of cracked and leaking water pipe

    Check for leaks in outdoor pipes, faucets, and hoses.

  • Icon showing a seedling pushing out of the soil.

    Plant drought tolerant vegetation and add mulch to help reduce evaporation and keep more moisture in your soil.

  • Icon of a swimming pool ladder descending into the water.

    Use a water-saving pool filter.

Water restrictions

Local restrictions on water use

Some municipalities in Alberta have put voluntary or mandatory water use restrictions in place as part of a drought response or water conservation plan. 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]