Save Water

Detecting leaks and knowing where your main shutoff valve is located can prevent costly damage and water waste. 
Finding and fixing water leaks is easy and fast:

1. Check your water bill – over 45 cubic meters (45,000 litres) a month for a family of four could indicate a serious leak

2. Listen for drips and running water – sometimes you can hear a leak before you see it

3. Look for drips and puddles under sinks, tub spouts, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines and outdoor taps – see if these can be fixed by tightening the pipe joint   

4. Replace old, worn-out toilet flappers to stop leaks

5. Swap out old faucet aerators with WaterSense-labeled models

6. Test your toilet by adding a toilet dye tab to the tank; if the water in the bowl changes colour after five minutes, it’s a leak

Learn more: WaterSense Detect and Chase Down Water Leaks Guide

If you suspect a water leak, you can:

• Call a licensed plumber to investigate and repair it as soon as possible
• Learn how to replace common parts:
  • Replace a faucet aerator in 4 easy steps
  • Replace a showerhead in 4 easy steps
  • Replace a toilet flapper in 6 easy steps
• Visit your local hardware store for parts

Get the facts

• A leaking toilet can go almost unnoticed but waste up to 200,000 litres per year – that’s like taking 4,762 showers or running the dishwasher 9,091 times
• One drip per second from a leaky faucet can waste more than 13,600 litres per year – that's the same amount of water used to take 180 showers
• A fridge attached to a water source leaking one drip per minute can waste up to 227 litres per year – that's 1,135 glasses (200 ml) of water per year or 3 glasses a day
   

Your local Outdoor Water-Use bylaw protects our water supply by detailing when can use water outdoors. For example, in-ground irrigation systems, sprinklers, filling or topping up pools and washing decks, driveways, vehicles, windows and more.

The bylaw is in effect from May 15 to September 30 – this might vary depending on where you live. Across York Region, odd house numbers can only water outdoors on odd days of the month, even house numbers only on even days.

Follow your local bylaw to make sure your community has enough water supply for both drinking and emergency services, such as firefighting.

Visit your town or city’s website or york.ca/OutdoorWaterUse for more details.
 

Landscapes that use less water support our ecosystem, are budget-friendly and help protect our drinking and emergency water supply. 

Here are six ways to create a beautiful, eco-friendly landscape that uses less water: 

1. Choose permeable pavers which allow water to seep between stones into the ground to reduce runoff and flooding
2. Add a layer of mulch to your garden to lock in moisture and keep weeds out
3. Create a rain garden in a low-lying area of your yard to help absorb rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways and streets
4. Add native plants to your garden – they use less water and provide cozy homes for important wildlife
5. Install a rain barrel as a water source for plants
6. Choose water-efficient sprinkler heads that shoot low to the ground to reduce water waste
    

Keep your lawn looking green and beautiful while lowering water use and trimming your water bill.

Here are six water-savvy ways to be smart with sprinklers:

1. Install a smart controller, which uses sensors and Wi-Fi to determine when and how much to water your lawn and plants
2. Choose water-efficient sprinkler heads that shoot low to the ground to reduce water waste
3. Check your sprinkler system regularly for leaks, clogs or misaligned heads
4. Follow outdoor watering times for your city or town
5. Connect with a Water Smart Irrigation Professional to ensure your in-ground irrigation system is running smoothly 
6. Rain in the forecast? Turn off your sprinkler system 

Use rainwater instead of tap water for your garden, lawn and landscaping. Plants love rainwater!

Here are six water-savvy ways to harness the power of rainwater: 

1. Use a rain barrel as a source of water for your flowers and vegetables
2. Create a rain garden in a low-lying area of your yard to help absorb rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways and streets
3. Let nature water your lawn: whether it’s rainwater or a sprinkler, an established lawn only needs watering once a week
4. Add native plants to your garden – they use less water because they thrive in our local soil and climate
5. Don’t forget to turn off your sprinkler system when it’s raining! 
6. Choose permeable pavers which reduce runoff and flooding and allow water to seep between stones into the ground