BE WATER WISE - REDUCE WATER USE DURING PEAK TIMES THIS SUMMER
The City of Saskatoon (City) reminds residents to keep basic water conservation tips in mind when watering lawns and gardens this summer.
“Being water wise helps the environment,” says Brenda Wallace, Director of Environmental & Corporate Initiatives. “Rainwater and treated water from excess watering of lawns and gardens both end up in the storm sewer system, and eventually the South Saskatchewan River. Ensuring lawns and gardens are not overwatered can lessen the amount of water entering our storm sewers.”
Being water wise also saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Energy is required to treat water and wastewater and emissions from water use by residents in 2013 are estimated at 24,690 tonnes CO2e or the equivalent of the emissions generated by 5,140 passenger vehicles each year.
Conserving water also preserves the City’s water systems. During periods of high water demand, the treatment plants and distribution systems are in high use so conserving water will extend the life of our water and wastewater treatment plants.
In 2013, Saskatoon residents consumed 234 litres of water per capita per day (LCD). The median water use for Canadian municipalities is 231 LCD. In the summertime, water use for irrigation makes up the majority of the total demand for water in Saskatoon.
The City of Saskatoon is committed to being a leader in water conservation and uses low-maintenance and low-watering gardening practices throughout the summer. The City also collects and uses rainwater to supplement watering resulting in cost, energy, and GHG emissions savings by not using treated water from the water treatment plant. For instance, Saskatoon Transit is capturing rainwater to wash busses at the Access Transit Storage Garage. As well, raw water from the river is used for irrigation at several City golf courses.
For more information on how to “Be Water Wise”, visit www.saskatoon.ca and click on “W” for Water Conservation. Check out “The Importance of Water” video on this site for more information on how the City works to ensure a safe water supply for residents.
For more City of Saskatoon Public Service Announcements, News Releases, Traffic Detours and Service Alerts, visit www.saskatoon.ca or connect with the City of Saskatoon on Twitter and Facebook.