Whether you pay for water in your rental or want to start conserving water, there are several ways to save water while living in a rental. 

The first step in water conservation is to check for leaks or running toilets. These maintenance issues may seem small but can wasting over 900 litres of water a day. If you see any leaks or hear any running water when fixtures aren’t in use, contact your property manager right away.

To save water in the kitchen, wash dishes in a sink of soapy water and only run the tap to rinse. Also, leftover water from boiling veggies or pasta can water your indoor plants and outdoor garden when cooled. Rather than running the tap until the water is cold, keep a jug of water in the fridge to fill drinking glasses with. If you have a dishwasher, remember to scrape dishes rather than rinsing them and only wash full loads.

Take shorter showers and use a water-saving shower head. Don’t let the water run while you brush or teeth or wash your hands. Only turn the water on when rinsing your toothbrush/hands. If running a bath, plug the tub before turning on the water and then adjust the temperature.

These modifications made to your rental can help you conserve water. Faucet aerators, which screw onto the end of the tap, add air bubbles into the water to reduce the amount of water coming out. A dual flush adaptor installed on a toilet will use half as much water when flushing. Or make a low-flow toilet with a 1 or 2 litre bottle filled with water, pebbles, or sand and placing it in your toilet tank. 

With laundry, save water by only washing large loads and wear your clothing several times before washing. Jeans rarely need washing, and if they do, just spot clean, hang them in sunlight, or hang outdoors to give them a fresh scent. 

When you’re moving into a rental and need to purchase appliances, opt for energy efficient and water saving models. If you’re current rental isn’t aiding your water conservation efforts, we have several upgraded rentals available throughout Alberta.