Save Water

Detecting leaks and knowing where your main shutoff valve is located can prevent costly damage and water waste. Conduct a whole home leak test at least once a year.

Check for outdoor water leaks by:

• Examining outdoor hoses, taps and sprinklers at least once a month for leaks, damage or misaligned heads
• If you have a pool, watch for consistent water levels and inspect the deck, lining and fittings for leaks
• Inspecting outdoor piping for signs of corrosion, rust or moisture. Listen for hissing or gurgling sounds

Toilet Leak Test 

A leaking toilet can waste up to 200,000 litres of water per year but go almost unnoticed. Unlike other leaks, toilet leaks often make little to no sound. 

Find out if a toilet in your home is leaking: 

1. Add a few drops of food colouring or a toilet leak tablet to the tank 
2. Wait 15 minutes 
3. Check the bowl for colour 
4. If the colour has seeped into the bowl without flushing, there is an internal leak that needs fixing

Whole Home Leak Test 

Conduct a whole home leak test at least once a year to detect any large leaks or a few smaller leaks in your home: 

1. Turn off all water-using fixtures and appliances (including small ones like water softeners and water filters) 
2. Record water meter reading 
3. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and make sure no one uses any water during this time  
4. Record water meter reading

If the number has gone up, you may have a large leak or a couple of smaller leaks requiring further investigation. Contact a licensed plumber to have the leak repaired as soon as possible.

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