Water Conservation | Norfolk County

Water is possibly our most precious yet undervalued natural resource. As demand rises and supplies dwindle, we must reassess our attitudes toward water.

Why water conservation matters

Did you know that approximately 97% of Earth’s water is saltwater? Only about 3% is freshwater, and less than a quarter of that is accessible for human use. The rest is locked away in glaciers and polar ice caps.

By practicing basic conservation rules, we can all contribute to improving water quality and reducing our use.

3 Golden Rules of Conservation

Reduce: It’s surprising how much water gets wasted. We just let it run down the drain. Become conscious of the amount of water you’re using and try to use less wherever and whenever possible.
Repair: A leak of one drop per second wastes 10,000 litres of water a year. It is easy to find a leak and inexpensive to repair it. Read more about leak detection.
Retrofit: Adapt or replace an older water-efficient fixture or appliance with one of the many water-saving products available.

Save water in your home

We often use more water than necessary in our homes. The good news is that we can cut back significantly without even noticing a difference in our quality of life. Reducing water usage can lead to substantial savings on your water bill.

Here are some easy ways to conserve water:

Fix leaks: A dripping faucet can waste gallons of water each day. Read more about leak detection.
Shorten showers: Reducing your shower time by just a few minutes can save a lot of water.
Turn off the tap: Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
Use efficient fixtures: Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce water usage.

Outdoor water use

During the summer, lawn watering and car washing can increase water use by up to 50%. Here’s how you can conserve water outdoors:

Water Wisely: Water your lawn early or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Read more about Norfolk's watering restrictions.
Use a Broom: Instead of hosing down driveways and sidewalks, use a broom to clean them.
Collect Rainwater: Use rain barrels to collect water for gardening.

The bigger picture

On average, every Canadian uses about 350 litres (80 gallons) of water each day—just indoors. Small changes in our daily habits can make a big difference in conserving water. Remember, water conservation doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort; it means being mindful of using this invaluable resource.

Let’s do our part to protect and preserve water for ourselves and future generations. Start today by implementing these simple yet effective water-saving tips!