Easy ways to reduce your water consumption, and why it's important

​By Ivan Chen

Water is an essential resource in sustaining life, and it’s important to conserve it for future use. (Credit: JonasKIM/Pixabay)

​Around 70 per cent of Earth’s surface is covered with water. Yet only about three per cent of Earth’s water is fresh, and roughly two-thirds of that is not readily accessible. In other words, only a small fraction of Earth’s water can sustain life. 

The other 97 per cent is saltwater. Saltwater can be made drinkable through desalination, a process that removes salt and other impurities. However, desalination is far more energy-intensive than treating freshwater. Desalination can also produce a byproduct of highly concentrated brine, which is often discharged back into the ocean. Elevated levels of salt within localized areas can disrupt marine ecosystems.

Fortunately, Torontonians don’t need to worry about this particular issue. Toronto and other municipalities across Southern Ontario source their drinking water from Lake Ontario. The Great Lakes of North America — Ontario, Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie — collectively hold around 20 per cent of the world’s freshwater supply. But while it might feel as though this seemingly abundant access to freshwater will last forever, there are signs that it shouldn’t be taken for granted. 

In 2021, Lake Ontario registered some of its lowest water levels in decades, dropping roughly 30 centimetres below its average level. In prior years, Lake Ontario’s water levels reached record highs. 2019 saw a record 75.92 metres, but by 2021, levels dropped by over a metre to 74.7 metres. This abrupt shift, driven in part by climate change, underscores that Lake Ontario is subject to unpredictable swings. 

It’s unlikely that Southern Ontario will face severe water scarcity in the near future. But, as populations grow, human activities increase and the climate continues to change, it is important to act before problems arise. 

The good news is that small changes add up. Many water conservation habits are easy to build into daily life. Here are some steps to reduce your water use.

1. Turn off the tap when it’s not in use

The easiest step in reducing water consumption is turning off the water when it is not being used. Whether you’re brushing your teeth, shaving or lathering on soap in the shower, turn off the water if you don’t need it — you can save several litres each time. 

2. Thaw frozen food in the fridge

If you know you’ll need a frozen ingredient in a day or two, move it to the fridge to thaw. Submerging it in water works too, but that leads to unnecessary waste.

3. Run full loads when cleaning dishes and textiles

When using a dishwasher or laundry machine, ensure every cleaning cycle is run with a full load and set to the appropriate setting. This will maximize water and energy efficiency. Make sure to follow the owner’s manual for guidance.

4. Water vegetation in the morning

Water your plants and lawn in the morning, especially during the hotter and sunnier months. This will ensure the water can be adequately absorbed without being quickly evaporated, so you can water less often.

5. Clean your property without water

Consider sweeping or using a leaf blower to clean your driveway, steps, patio or deck instead of hosing it down. Even small changes like this can save hundreds of litres over time.

6. Know the location of your water shut-off valve 
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In the event of a pipe burst or leak, knowing where your property’s water shut-off valve is located is essential. A pipe burst or leak can cause major property damage and waste a significant amount of water. Knowing where and how to shut the water off minimizes damage and wasted water. 

It’s easy to overlook water’s value when it flows freely from the tap, especially here in Toronto. But freshwater is limited, so being more mindful of how we use it protects our health, city and the future of our planet.

Edited by Jess Blackwell