We get our drinking water from Gold Creek and Joseph Creek, which provide sufficient water supply for the city’s current needs. Water use in Cranbrook increases dramatically in the summer-but this doesn’t mean we should only reduce outdoor water use. Rather, when we reduce our indoor water use, we reduce Cranbrook’s average daily demand.

1. Install a Low-flow Toilet
Toilets are the biggest water users in the home. Replacing old water-guzzling toilets with newer, more efficient models can save as much as 25 percent!

2. Drip, Drip, Drop
Dripping taps waste a LOT of water. Turn off taps tightly and make sure they don’t leak. If your toilet “hisses” when it’s not in use, it might have a leak between the tank and the bowl. To find out, put a drop of food colouring in the toilet tank and wait a few minutes. If, without flushing, the colour appears in the bowl, you have a leak.

3. Install Faucet Aerators
Aerators mix air with water, reducing the flow by about 6 liters a minute. Despite this, the pressure remains the same!

4. Turn off the Tap
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and shaving. This can save over 750 L a month!

5. Install Low-flow Shower Heads
Reduce water use and save on the cost of heating water by installing a low-flow shower head with an adjustable spray.

6. Have shorter showers
Put a timer in the bathroom and set it for five minutes. When it goes off-time’s up!

7. Learn the Levels
If your washing machine allows, set the water level so it’s appropriate for different-sized loads

8. Install an Efficient Washing Machine
These use 40 percent less water and 50 percent less energy than traditional machines. They also spin out more moisture than traditional washing machines, so less energy is required to dry clothes.

9. Be Water Smart with Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers use about the same amount of water and energy regardless of the amount of dishes inside. Run your dishwasher only when it’s full. If you only have a few dishes to wash, it’s more efficient to wash them by hand. Save yourself up to 75L by scraping your dishes instead of pre-rinsing them.

10. Don’t Flush Garbage
Flushing garbage is a waste of water. Instead, use a garbage can and compost when possible.