Due to a significantly lower amount of rainfall, the Cataraqui Region Conservation Area (CRCA) has issued a Level I Drought Condition. We support the CRCA’s advisory by providing these water conservation tips.

Did you know? While Utilities Kingston is maintaining water supply to meet demand, we draw source water from Lake Ontario. Thus, your efforts to conserve tap water will help protect local water bodies. Using outdoor water in accordance with summer watering restrictions is a great preventative measure.

The CRCA monitors and reports on water quality and quantity of our watershed in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change. We support the CRCA’s advisory by issuing the following water conservation tips:

• Take shorter showers to help conserve water.
• Compared to standard showerheads, using low-flow showerheads can reduce water flow by 40-60 per cent and save up to eight litres of water, per minute. Look for the WaterSense label to help you choose products that use less water and, in some cases, less energy.
• Check for toilet leaks (and fix them) to save a potential 1,400 litres of water per month. Pick up free toilet leak detecting tabs at 85 Lappan's Lane (Monday to Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 AM).
• Using full loads and shorter washing machine cycles can save 95 litres of water per load. When possible, wash full loads, or choose a lower water level setting (some newer machine will do this automatically). Choosing the appropriate soil settings will also help reduce water use. 
• Doing a full dishwashing load on a shorter cycle could save up to 28 litres per load.
• Washing your car at a carwash that recycles water will conserve water and prevent harmful run-off pollution.
• Use outdoor water in accordance with summer watering restrictions.
• Practice drought tolerant gardening to minimize water use. Learn how to plan a garden that requires less water by visiting our Water Conservation Garden during daylight hours at 1211 John Counter Boulevard. We offer free guided tours Monday to Friday at 10:30 AM, followed by free children's activities.
• The CRCA offers these tips: Residents are asked to conserve water by limiting outside watering of plants and lawns, washing vehicles, driveways and sidewalks. As well, they recommend conducting repairs on leaky plumbing or fixtures to help curtail water wastage. Note that lawns naturally become dormant during times of low water and will recover quickly. Lawns that have turned brown from the drought are not “dead”; the grass has just gone dormant from lack of water. When rainfall returns, the grass will come out of dormancy and perk back up. 

Visit our conservation tips webpage to learn more ways to save water, energy and money.