A Natural Resources Canada report on climate change states every region of Canada faces threats to its water supply. Despite the fact that Canada has large lakes and rivers, experts agree a small percentage of the country’s water is being replenished naturally.

Water use and climate change are clearly linked. How can homeowners make a difference by conserv­ing water? Climate Change Central, located in Calgary and Edmonton, says “it takes an immense amount of energy to put water through the municipal system from treatment and purification to pumping it to your home.” Afterwards, the water then has to be heated by natural gas on its way to your showerhead.

Showers represent about 22 per cent of the total water use and up to two-thirds of the hot-water use in the typical Canadian home. A family of four that takes daily five-minute show-ers uses 70,000 litres of hot water a year—140,000 litres if the shower is ten minutes long.

Rain barrels
In Calgary and Edmonton, the cities spend a considerable portion of their total electricity bill on water treatment. Residents using rain barrels can conserve water by catching rain water flowing from their eaves troughs. Rain barrel use means less water needing treatment, cutting down on water waste and reducing demand on water treatment facilities. They also reduce runoff and keep water out of the sewers and rivers to protect against flooding.

As summer rain is warm, soft, non-chlo­rinated water, it’s ideal for trees, grass and plants. Watering with rain water instead of tap water is easy, economical and maintains a healthy yard, according to Clean Calgary Association.

In April, Clean Calgary Association sold 1,694 rain barrels at its Rain Barrel sale. “This means an important increase in water conservation in Calgary and a successful fundraiser for Clean Calgary Association programs,” says Natalie Odd, executive director. Rain barrels are avail­able year-round at the Clean Calgary Association EcoStore.

“The majority of Calgarians who picked up barrels were purchas­ing their first rain barrel,” says Odd. “It is significant that so many people are taking the initiative to harvest rain at their homes.

“They will benefit from a chemical-free water source for their garden, help conserve a precious natural resource, and collectively take pres­sure off our storm water systems and water treatment facilities.”  

Energy efficient showerheads and toilets
Climate Change Central recommends installing energy-efficient showerheads, which can cut hot water use by at least 35 per cent. Surprisingly, it will reduce homeowners’ greenhouse gas emissions by about 650 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per year. For a family of four, it could save at least 25,000 litres of water a year without changing showering habits.

Earlier this year, Kohler introduced its new 1.75-gallon-per-minute (gpm) showerhead—a standard showerhead uses 2.5 gpm.

“As water conservation has become more of a widespread concern, an increasing number of water-efficient showerheads have appeared on the market,” says Brian Baratka, director of product marketing for Kohler Global Faucets.

KOHLER has expanded its line of high-efficiency, water conserving toilets with its San Raphael toilet.

The toilet is the company’s first one-piece, 1.0 gpf high-efficiency toilet with pressure-assist technology. Annually, this sleek toilet can save a household of four up to 20,000 gallons of water versus an older 3.5 gpf toilet.

“This toilet represents the future of flushing technology,” says Kathryn Streeby, director of marketing, sanitary products for KOHLER.

“The industry is progressing to better technology and improved performance, while utilizing less water. The introduction of KOHLER’s San Raphael Pressure Lite toilet underscores our commitment to offer consumers the most choices for water-con­serving plumbing products.”