Water Conservation | City of Brandon

The City of Brandon is a leader in environmental stewardship so naturally the City stepped up to the plate to write its first-ever formal Water Conservation Plan in Brandon. In 2013 City Council adopted the City’s first ever Water Conservation Plan.

This plan was intended to be a stand-alone living document that compliments the City’s Environmental Strategic Plan (ESP), focusing on the City’s activities and operations so that the city can continue to lead by example and set standards for residents, industry, and stakeholders. The purpose of this plan is to set out a series of actions for the municipality both on the community and corporate level.

These actions range from immediate too long term to reduce the City’s water consumption while still maintaining excellent quality and quantity for current and future generations.

Water Conservation Tips

Water Conservation in the Home

Studies have shown that 75% of water used in the home is used in the bathroom, 25% of this is used by toilets!

Check toilets for leaks: Add several drops of dark food colouring to the upper tank. If the water in the bowl is tinted after 15 minutes, the toilet tank is leaking
Install low flush toilets or consider reducing water consumption by placing full plastic bottles of water in the tank, away from the working mechanism
Avoid using the toilet for items that can simply go in the trash
Check faucets & pipes for leaks
Use your water meter to check for leaks
Install water saving shower heads & low flow faucet aerators
Take shorter showers, five minutes should do it
Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth
For shaving, rinse the razor in a small amount of water in the sink, not under a running tap
Use the washing machine & dishwasher only when they contain full loads
Minimize use of kitchen sink garbage disposal units
When washing dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running for rinsing
Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the fridge, rather than running the tap for cold water
Insulate the water pipes

Water Conservation in the Yard & Garden

Plant drought resistant lawns, shrubs and plants
Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants
Clean eaves troughs by hand rather than flushing with a hose need watering
Water the lawn only when needed. A good test is to step on the grass, if it stays flat it is time to water
Most lawns need about 1 inch of water a week. To easily measure this, put an empty tuna can on the lawn where you are watering. When this is full your grass has had enough
Consider adding a soil amendment to your lawn to hold moisture
Use a bucket & sponge for washing cars rather than running the hose
Use a broom, not water, to clean driveways and sidewalks
Consider making or purchasing a rain barrel to water plants in the garden

Water Leaks

Water leaks may seem minor at first glance, but they can lead to significant consequences for homes, businesses, and communities. From increased utility bills to structural damage and environmental impact, leaks are more than just a nuisance.

Water Leaks