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Water Conservation

The City of Leduc has adopted a vision for water consumption to be a more effective steward of water resources in the following ways:

A safe, healthy and abundant water supply is critical to our community. Using this resource wisely and responsibly is necessary to protect watersheds, eco systems and human health. Smart water stewardship also helps reduce costs and ensure the long term sustainability of our water supply.

 

Tips for Water Conservation

Water is a very important resource which we all depend on in our daily lives. While our planet is covered by 70% water, only 3% is freshwater and only 0.5% is actually available for human use. Considering the scarcity of this essential resource, we must all work together to conserve our water.

  • Shorten showers to maximum 5 minutes. This could save over 500L a month.
  • Install a water-efficient showerhead. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and can save up to 3,000L a month.
  • Check for leaks in toilets by placing a colour tablet or a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If color seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing you have a leak. Fixing this could save up to 4,000L a month.
  • Replace older toilets with water-efficient models. This could save 300L a day.
  • Turn the tap off while you brush your teeth, shave and wash your face.
  • If purchasing a new clothes washer look for Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 75L per load, as well as energy.
  • Be sure to have full loads or adjust the water settings to match the size of the load.
  • Never run a dishwasher without a full load, and use the shortest wash cycle.
  • Clean vegetables in a sink or pan rather than under running water. You can reuse this water for watering plants.
  • Store a pitcher of water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap for cold water.
  • Avoid using waste disposal units.
  • Capture excess water in a container when you have to run the tap. This water can be used for your plants or pets.
  • Do not use running water to defrost frozen food.
  • Follow the city’s voluntary alternate day lawn watering program. If you are an odd-number house water your lawn on odd calendar days and if you are an even number house water your lawn on even calendar days.
  • Grasscycle. It helps retain the moisture in your lawn and garden.
  • 2.5cm of water (one hour of watering) per week is all the water your lawn needs.
  • Set sprinklers to ensure you are watering only the grass, not sidewalks or roads.
  • Reduce evaporation by using a low-angle or pulsating sprinkler, and water lawns and gardens during the coolest parts of the day.
  • Collect rain water in a rain barrel to use for watering your lawn and garden.

Why Use a Rain Barrel

  • Conserves water
  • Reduces energy
  • Saves money
  • Rain water doesn’t contain chlorine, lime or calcium

Find a suitable location:

  • Place the barrel under a downspout on a raised surface (avoid locations near gas or water meters)
  • The barrel’s drainage spout must be at least 5 ft. from the residence

Connect downspout:

  • Remove existing clamp and elbow from the downspout
  • Mark the height of the rain barrel and cut the downspout to redirect it to the top of the barrel
  • Pinch the end of the downspout and reinsert the elbow (if it doesn’t reach, an extension is required)
  • Use a screen to keep out bugs and small animals.
  • Winterize by draining the barrel, leaving an open valve.
  • Turn upside down and store the barrel away from its current location