• About 3,800 cubic km of freshwater are withdrawn annually from the world's lakes, rivers and aquifers, twice the volume extracted 50 years ago.



• 65% of indoor home water use occurs in our bathrooms, and toilets are the single greatest water users.



• Lawns require only 5 mm of water per day in warm weather, and less in cooler weather.



• One drop of oil can render up to 25 litres of water unfit for drinking.



• Nature Canada is working to create a marine protected areas system with 14 protected sites by 2012.

AROUND THE HOUSE

The global demand for water is enormous – and growing.

Canada has some of the world’s most extensive water resources. But we also consume far more per person than in other countries. Each of us uses about 260 litres (57 gallons) of water each day – about 10 times the global average.

Water Conservation Begins at Home!
Things you can do to make a difference: Conserve, Protect and Support

Conserve Water at Home

1. Take the Water Conservation Pledge and reduce your consumption by 10 gallons a day.


2. Always turn taps off tightly and repair leaks quickly.


3. When cleaning fruit and vegetables, never run the tap continuously. Fill the sink partway and rinse them quickly under the tap.


4. Keep a bottle of drinking water in your fridge instead of running your tap until the water gets cool when you want a drink. Remember to rinse the container every few days.


5. Turn the water off when you’re brushing your teeth, and use short bursts to rinse and to clean your brush.


6. Use low-flow shower heads or adjustable flow-reducer devices on your shower heads.


7. Reduce water usage by up to 50% by installing low-flush toilets.



8. Use aerators or water flow reducer devices on all your taps.


9. Only run the dishwasher when it’s full and always wash full loads in your washing machine.


10. Clean sidewalks and driveways with a broom, not a hose.

Protect Water Quality at Home

1. Think twice before dumping something down the drain. Prescription drugs, ibuprofen, bug spray, sunscreen, mouthwash and antibacterial soap have all been found lingering in our water supply. Birth control pills and other estrogen replacement drugs have been found to alter fish species reproductive processes.


2. Choose alternatives to phosphate-containing and other hazardous cleaners that might ultimately end up in our drinking water. Here are a few practical options:

• All-purpose Spray Cleaner
  Mix half water, half white vinegar in a spray bottle. No need to rinse. Use for toilet, windows, woodwork, mirrors, countertops.
• Washing Floors
  Vinegar and water. Or mix 45 ml (3 tbsp.) of washing soda in 1 litre (4 cups) of water.
• Scouring and Deodorizing
  Use baking soda to clean the toilet bowl, remove greasy fingerprints from light switch plates, and to clean the tub and sink, too. Rinse.
• Rug and carpet cleaners
  Sprinkle cornstarch on dry carpets or rugs to absorb dirt and grease and, after five minutes, vacuum thoroughly.
• Rug deodorizer
  Sprinkle dry rugs or broadloom generously with baking soda. Leave for about 20 minutes and then vacuum thoroughly.
• Mild antiseptic
  Mix 125 ml (1/2 cup) of borax with 1 litre (4 cups) of hot water.

Support Water Conservation Programs

Protected areas conserve some of our most important wild lands, thereby helping to preserve biodiversity and to maintain the natural processes that provide us with clear air and water.

Nature Canada works to raise public awareness about the threats facing this country’s natural spaces. And we strive to ensure that governments, conservation groups and individual citizens do their part in protecting these precious areas from further harm.

Help us to establish protected areas and preserve our water resources.