In Ontario, water conservation isn't just a responsible environmental choice—it's a smart financial decision. By adopting water-efficient habits and upgrading your home, you can significantly lower your utility bills and help protect our precious freshwater resources for future generations. Residential water use accounts for nearly 60% of municipal water consumption, meaning your actions make a big difference!
WaterSmart Systems has been serving the Waterloo Region for over 30 years, and the focus is always on clean, safe, great-tasting water for your home backed by exceptional service.
Contact us today for all your home water solutions.
Key Takeaways
Fix Leaks First: The fastest way to cut your bill is by checking and repairing leaks, especially in toilets (the largest source of indoor waste).
Go DIR: If you have a water softener, switch from an old-time-based model to a Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR) system to save thousands of litres of water and hundreds of kgs of salt annually.
Soften Hot Water Only: Modify your plumbing to only soften the hot water line for significant water and salt savings. This may qualify for a local rebate.
Look for WaterSense: Replace old fixtures with WaterSense-labelled toilets and showerheads for guaranteed efficiency.
Know Your By-laws: Adhere to local Odd/Even day watering by-laws and time restrictions during summer months to avoid fines and conserve water.
Check Local Rebates: Investigate your local municipality (e.g., Guelph, Region of Waterloo) for specific rebates on toilet replacements, rain barrels, or plumbing modifications.
1. Optimize Your Water Softener for Maximum Savings
Many parts of Ontario have hard water, making a softener a necessity.
However, an inefficient softener wastes thousands of litres of water and hundreds of kilograms of salt annually.
1. Choose a High-Efficiency Model
The biggest factor in water and salt waste is the type of softener you own.
Actionable Tip: If you have an older, time-initiated softener (it regenerates on a set schedule regardless of use), consider replacing it.
WaterSmart Solution: Look for a Demand-Initiated Regeneration (DIR) model, like the WaterSmart Smart Series or Econo Series. These systems use sensors to only regenerate when the resin tank is truly depleted, saving both water and salt.
2. Fine-Tune Your Softener Settings
Correct settings are essential for efficiency, especially concerning the salt dosage.
| Setting | Action for Efficiency | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Water Hardness | Set to your actual local water hardness (Grains per Gallon, or GPG). | Prevents over-regeneration and excess salt use. |
| Regeneration Type | Use DIR (Demand-Initiated Regeneration). | Only regenerates when necessary, minimizing water waste. |
| Salt Dosage | Consult your manual or a professional to find the lowest effective salt dose. | Lower salt dosages achieve higher salt efficiency (less salt per grain removed). |
3. Consider Hot Water-Only Softening
A common and highly effective strategy to save both salt and water.
Strategy: Reroute your cold water line so that it bypasses the water softener. This leaves cold water for drinking, cooking, toilets, and outside taps unsoftened, significantly reducing the volume of water the softener needs to treat.
Potential ROI: Softening only hot water can save a household of three up to 8,800 litres of water and 108 kg of salt per year.
WaterSmart Solution: The Region of Waterloo has offered a Water Softener Plumbing Rebate for homeowners who switch from softening both hot and cold water to hot water only. Contact WaterSmart Systems & Plumbing for this specific plumbing service.
2. The Essential Leak Detection and Repair Program
A small, persistent leak can cost you more than you realize. A single dripping faucet can waste over 20 litres of water per day, and a running toilet can waste thousands.
1. The Toilet Dye Test
Toilets are the most common source of hidden leaks.
Step 1: Place a few drops of food colouring in the toilet tank (the back reservoir).
Step 2: Wait 15 to 20 minutes without flushing.
Step 3: If the colour appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak.
2. Check Your Water Meter
Use your main water meter to check for leaks when no water is being used.
Step 1: Turn off all indoor and outdoor water taps and appliances.
Step 2: Read the number on your water meter (or check the leak indicator dial).
Step 3: Read the meter again after 2 hours. If the reading has changed, you have a leak.
3. Promptly Repair Leaks
Actionable Tip: Replace faulty toilet flappers, fix dripping faucets, and check outdoor hose bibs for slow drips.
Local Policy Note: Many municipalities, such as the City of Guelph, have a Leak Forgiveness Policy for residential homes. If you have a high water bill due to a leak that you promptly fix, you may be eligible for a credit.
3. Investing in Smart Appliances and Fixtures
Upgrading old appliances is a major step toward water efficiency and often qualifies for rebates.
1. WaterSense-Labelled Fixtures
Look for the WaterSense label, which identifies products that are at least 20% more water-efficient than average.
Toilets: Replace older toilets (pre-1994, which can use up to 20 litres per flush) with Ultra Low Flow (ULF) or High-Efficiency Toilets (HET).
Rebate Example: The Township of Centre Wellington offers a $75 rebate per eligible replacement toilet (check for current program status, as they are often limited).
Showerheads and Faucets: Install low-flow showerheads (using $\le 7.6$ litres per minute) and faucet aerators.
2. Efficient Appliances Checklist
| Appliance | Efficiency Standard | Water-Saving Habit |
|---|---|---|
| Washing Machine | ENERGY STAR® certified high-efficiency clothes washer. | Always run full loads. |
| Dishwasher | ENERGY STAR® certified model. | Run only when full and do not rinse dishes beforehand. |
| Irrigation System | Use a weather-based or soil moisture sensor controller. | Ensures your lawn is not watered when it's raining or when the soil is already moist. |
4. Outdoor Water Conservation and Ontario Regulations
Outdoor water use can more than double your water bill in the summer. Smart watering is crucial.
1. Mandatory Lawn Watering Regulations
Many Ontario regions enforce "Odd/Even Day" watering by-laws during peak summer months (typically May to September).
Regulation: Homes with even civic numbers can water outdoors on even calendar days. Homes with odd civic numbers can water outdoors on odd calendar days.
Time Restrictions: Watering is typically only permitted during specific hours, like 6 a.m.–9 a.m. and 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Actionable Tip: Use a tuna can to measure rainfall and watering. Your lawn only needs about 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) of water per week, including rain.
2. Water-Wise Gardening
Install Rain Barrels: Collect rainwater from downspouts for use in your garden. This water is chlorine-free and perfect for plants.
Xeriscaping: Choose native, drought-tolerant plants suited to the Ontario climate, which require minimal supplemental watering.
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around plants and trees to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
5. Ontario Rebate and Incentive Programs
While the federal Canada Greener Homes Grant focused primarily on energy efficiency (insulation, windows, heat pumps), local and provincial programs exist specifically for water efficiency.
| Program/Incentive | Focus Area | Notes & Status |
|---|---|---|
| Water Softener Rebates | Plumbing Modification (Hot Water Only) | Offered by some municipalities (e.g., Region of Waterloo). Check local program details. |
| Royal Flush Toilet Rebates | High-Efficiency Toilet Replacement | Offered by some municipalities (e.g., City of Guelph, Township of Centre Wellington). Check local program status and limits. |
| Rain Barrel/Rain Garden Rebates | Outdoor Water Reuse/Runoff Management | Offered by various municipalities. Programs often provide discounts or rebates on purchase/installation. |
| Blue Built Home Certification | Comprehensive Water Efficiency | A regional program (e.g., Region of Waterloo) that certifies homes built or retrofitted to high water-saving standards. |
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How can I save water in Ontario?
A. You can save water in Ontario by:
Fixing leaks promptly, especially in toilets.
Upgrading to WaterSense-labelled fixtures like low-flow toilets and showerheads.
Optimizing your water softener to regenerate less frequently and only treat hot water.
Following local by-laws for outdoor watering (e.g., odd/even day schedules) and collecting rainwater with a rain barrel.
Q. Is there a rebate for water softeners in Ontario?
A. Rebates for water softener improvements in Ontario are typically offered at the municipal or regional level, not provincially. For example, some regions offer a rebate for modifying your plumbing to soften only your hot water, which significantly reduces water and salt use. You should check with your specific city or region's utility office for current programs.
Q. What is the most effective way to reduce my water bill?
A. The single most effective way to reduce your water bill is to fix leaks and install high-efficiency toilets. Leaks are often the largest source of undetected water waste, and toilets account for up to 65% of indoor residential water use. Addressing these two areas provides the fastest and most significant return on investment.
Ready to Get WaterSmart?
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➡️ Click here to connect with WaterSmart Systems & Plumbing for a home water review and to learn more about our high-efficiency water softeners and services.
Whether you’re installing a Canadian-made water softener, adding a filtration solution, or simply looking for expert advice, we’ll guide you to the right solutions other local families trust for long-term results.
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