Statistics indicate that bathrooms are the biggest sources of wasted water indoors – particularly older toilets that use 18 to 24 litres of water with every flush. Older showerheads that flow at 20 litres per minute will use 200 litres in one 10-minute shower. Older appliances are also responsible for less efficient water use.

BC Building Code:

Starting in September 2008, ultra low flow toilets (six litres or less) and 9.5 L/min low flow showerheads are mandatory for all new construction and renovations. Designs have improved with time. To determine whether yours is a water efficient bathroom, check age and water flow of your toilet and showerhead.

Toilets:

If you’re not sure how much water your toilet flushes, look on the inside of the tank, on the tank label, on the back of the bowl, or on the flush valve. 

• Check for leaks if you have an older toilet.
• Even if the leak is less than a drip per second it can still add up to about 10,000L of water wasted per year.
• Drop some food colouring in the toilet tank. If after 15 minutes, food colouring is found in the bowl, your toilet has a leak.

Retrofit:

Retrofitting devices for higher flow include toilet dams, displacement devices and alternative flush devices. When retrofitting your toilet with any of the above devices, keep in mind that if your toilet is designed to flush with 13 or 18 litres, it may not flush as well with less water. 

Showerheads:          

If you are not sure whether you have a low flow showerhead, try the following test:

• Place a 20-litre (five Gallon) bucket under the shower
• Set a timer to zero
• Turn the shower on to normal flow and start timer
• Time water flow for 60 seconds, then shut off shower
• A full bucket means you have an older, 20-litre per minute showerhead.
• A half-full bucket means you have a 9.5-litre showerhead
• Save the water in the bucket to flush your toilet or water a plant

Surprise benefit: A 9.5-litre showerhead produces less steam, does not fog up the mirror and saves on bathroom wear and tear.

More tips indoors:

• Short showers use less water than baths.
• Shut tap off when not in use.
• Keep a jug of water in the fridge.
• When running water to adjust for temperature, collect that water and use elsewhere in the home or garden.
• Imagine that you only had a finite amount of water to use per day and adjust your habits accordingly.
• When purchasing new appliances, buy energy and water-efficient models.
• Think of water as a precious resource to be used wisely.