People throughout the world observed World Water Day on March 22nd. This initiative, started in 1992 by the United Nations, is a day set aside to acknowledge the value of water and the need to conserve the valuable resource. Since then, the provinces have come together to create Canada Water Week which spans from March 14 - 22.
With over 100,000 lakes in Saskatchewan, it is easy to forget that water is something that needs to be preserved.
According to a 2010 report by Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, the community of Carlyle exceeds the provincial average of daily water consumption. In a 2009 study of 631 communities, the average consumption per person was 335 litres per day. Carlyle consumes an average of 392 litres per day of water according to the study. The data shows a continued increase in water consumption in the community from 2006 to 2009.
Patti Giambattista from Saskatchewan Watershed Authority states that "this data fluctuates greatly dependent on the year. For example, the consumption rate in 2010 could be way lower because people weren't watering their lawns because it was a wet year. So it can take into account a number of factors."
The fluctuation is seen throughout the study years of 1995 to 2009, with the highest consumption year being that of 2003, with an average consumption of 417 litres of treated water per person per day. Consumption of treated water averages are submitted from individual communities and therefore, consumption rates can include human consumption as well as lawn maintenance and irrigation or the filling of swimming pools and vary between communities. Data does not include consumption of purchased water for drinking.
With Canada Water Week events occurring throughout Canada, promoters of the event are detailing a number of ways in which individuals can reduce their water consumption rates. Saskatchewan Environment states that all it takes is being a little conscientious. Their website states that "Saving water doesn't mean you have to do without. Be aware of the water you are using. Remember, if we each save a little, together we save a lot."
A number of tips are provided to residents on ways to change their water habits. Saskatchewan Environment provides publications available to the residents. Some of these include:
Load the dishwasher full before using it, use the short cycle or the water-saving cycle. New water and energy efficient models use 20 per cent less water.
A reduced-flow showerhead can cut your hot water costs. An eight minute shower with a reduced-flow showerhead saves over 6.5 litres of hot water. That means an annual saving of 14 per cent on water heating. Using a reduced-flow showerhead saves 7,500 litres of drinking water per year.
Install a low-flush toilet, as they are designed to use six litres of water per flush, significantly less than the 23 litres of water that conventional toilets use. Water requirements in single family residences are reduced by about 20 per cent and in multi-residential units by about 40 per cent. For more information on how to receive a $50 rebate for converting a high volume toilet to a low-volume toilet, visit http://www.swa.ca/WaterConservation/ToiletRebateProgram/Default.asp.
Leaks are the biggest water waster in the home. Many homes lose more water from leaky taps than they need for cooking and drinking. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. Leaky faucets are usually caused by a worn washer or O-rings.
Water the lawn and garden early in the morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation losses. Water evaporates quickly on hot and windy days. As much as 30 per cent of water used can be lost to evaporation by watering lawn during midday.
Collect rainwater for reuse in the garden whenever possible.
Don't scalp the grass. Keep the lawnmower set at a height of 5 to 7.5 centimeters. Taller grass encourages the roots to grow deeper and grass blades to hold moisture longer than with a closely clipped lawn, and also discourages weed growth.
