Reducing our water consumption
We can’t always control the discharge of waste materials into our waterways, but we can do so at the individual level, in nearby activities, for example by picking up our garbage or not contaminating the water through discharges of polluting materials.
We can also make better choices by being aware of how much freshwater is used for agriculture, livestock, energy production and industrial manufacturing.
Most importantly, we can protect our drinking water resources by simply reducing our consumption.
Here are some tips to reduce your water consumption:
- Turn off the faucet while shaving or brushing your teeth
- Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator to avoid letting the tap water run until it reaches the desired temperature
- Take quick showers instead of baths
- Install showerheads and faucet aerators that limit flow
- Do large loads of washing, select the appropriate water level and use the shortest cycle
- When cleaning containers to be recycled, soak them rather than rinse them with running water
- Clean your driveway and sidewalk with a broom in the spring
Useful links
- Discover 36 ways not to waste water in this document (in french) put online by the municipality of La Pocatière
- See the amount of freshwater required to produce food (in french)
- Learn more about the water footprint or your unsuspected use of water
