Environment

Save water, one step at a time!

Unfortunately, drinking water is not an inexhaustible resource, and its production is becoming increasingly expensive. Water seems to be abundant in Quebec; however, municipalities are struggling to keep up with growing demand, and restrictions are beginning to multiply. It’s easy to change this by simply modifying our water consumption habits.

One step at a time, you can take action to protect our resource and ensure that it remains available to all.  Here are a few solutions:

• The bathroom is the kingdom of water usage, and the place where you’ll save the most!
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
• Choose showers over baths, and take short showers.
• Reuse towels after each use, thus reducing the frequency of washing.

A leaky toilet can become your home’s biggest source of drinking water consumption. It’s worth checking!

• Water use in the kitchen:
• Choose to use the dishwasher when it’s full.
• Remember to take out food to be defrosted the day before, rather than putting it in water.
• For cold drinking water, use a pitcher and put it in the fridge.
• Don’t leave the water running to rinse dishes, vegetables or fruit.
• When it’s time to change faucets, opt for low-flow models (WaterSense certification) or install aerators on faucets.

• It’s easy to collect rainwater with a rain barrel!

Absence of water in the soil

Groundwater tables are under increasing pressure. Allow water from rain, melting snow or pool drainage to seep into the ground, where it will be purified by plants and micro-organisms.  This reduces erosion and recharges the groundwater table, essential for supplying drinking water.

Mowing your lawn

Avoid mowing your lawn too short, as it absorbs water less effectively.  Prioritize grasscycling to reduce the need for fertilizers.  Excessive use of fertilizers washes away with runoff and contaminates water courses. Lawns that are too short are more vulnerable to insects and diseases.

Some suggestions

Grow (or plant) legumes (such as clover) on your lawn to provide nitrogen, a natural fertilizer that will spread continuously and deeply. Shred and spread dead leaves in autumn as soon as they fall, rather than raking them up, to provide an excellent source of carbon and zinc, iron, copper, manganese, etc.

Stop treating your lawn. A natural lawn is more durable, more resistant to insects, weeds and disease, and requires less intervention.