The real dish on water
The not-so-obvious running tap
Where does all our water go?
Running down the drain
The 3 Rs of water use
Water-saving gardens
Websites that gush about water

The real dish on water

Water, water , everywhere...or is it? Alberta faces growing concerns about water scarcity. In B.C., several communities are up in arms about logging in watersheds--the land areas draining into bodies of water—that are sources of drinking water. And in southern Ontario, industrial development and overpopulation have led to unsafe levels of pollutants in many parts of the Great Lakes. Canada is supposed to be rich in water. What’s going on?

We like to think we’re responsible stewards of Canada’s natural resources. But when it comes to water, we’re about as cautious as frenzied slot-machine player who’s had three drinks on an empty stomach.

According to OECD statistics, water consumption rates in Canada are 4,400 litres of water per day per person. Compared to other countries, we use a lot of water. Our water consumption rates are more than twice that of Japan (1,945 litres) and four times more than Sweden (821 litres).

When you look at the amount of water Canada uses every day, you’re probably saying, “I don’t use that much water.” Well, you’re right. Per capita figures are calculated by taking the total water consumed by households, industry and agriculture and dividing it by Canada’s population. As a result, these figures include the water coming out of our taps and the water used to produce Canadian goods and services.

But the comparison to other countries is still relevant. The Canadian economy as a whole needs to become more efficient in its use of water. We’re wasting one of our most precious resources.

There are already signs that we need to act. Canada is already starting to experience water problems

• Between 1994 and 1999, over one quarter of all Canadian municipalities with water distribution systems reported water shortages.
  
• There is growing concern in many Canadian communities about drinking water quality. The Walkerton, Ontario, tragedy that killed seven people in 2000 was a sobering reminder of the importance of water protection.
  
• The lakes and rivers we enjoy are being altered. Streams and rivers are diverted or may be suffering from record low-flows. Lakes are polluted and so are the fish.

This newsletter is all about how we can use water more wisely at home. We need to increase our water efficiency by using less water to do more. Water, while seemingly all around us, isn’t something we should squander.

Next >> The not-so-obvious running tap

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