Water Conservation

Over the last year the City has worked to continue bringing safe and clean drinking water to residents and businesses in Vaughan. In 2020, the City made improvements to its water system by installing over 100 new sampling stations across the city to allow for easier access to test water without having to enter residents’ properties, completed 57 scheduled and 12 emergency valve repairs, and maintained more than 9,500 fire hydrants.

As we live in a world where washing our hands has become an important public health protocol now more than ever, turning on the tap and getting clean water is a necessity. On Thursday, Oct. 21, the City of Vaughan joins communities across North America to invite citizens to Image a Day Without Water. Take time to learn where water comes from and where it goes, and consider what your day would be like without it.

A day without water would mean firefighters couldn't do their jobs, hospitals couldn't function and all household activities involving water would not be possible: accessing drinking water, bathing, flushing the toilet, washing the dishes and more. Use #ValueWater on social media, to share what water means to you.

Helpful tips

• Limit showers to five minutes (long hot showers can waste 10 to 20 litres of water every extra minute).
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full to save up to 3,000 litres of water a month.
• Only water your lawn or garden when needed (depending on the weather or type of plants/turf, you may only need to water once or twice per week).
• Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater that can be used for watering gardens.
• Check for outdoor leaks in pipes, hoses and faucets (leaks outside the home can be just as wasteful and costly as leaks inside the home).

Don’t forget

• To minimize evaporation, water your lawn and garden when the temperatures are cooler (early in the morning or later in the evening after sunset). Mulch also slows the evaporation of moisture and discourages weed growth.
• Plant drought-resistant trees and plants. There are many beautiful trees and plants that thrive with far less watering and maintenance.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean your driveway and walkways.
• Don't run the hose while washing your car.