Be Water Wise- Leak Detection

Residential Water Usage & Leak Detection Guide

Why Conserve Water?

Fresh, clean water is a precious resource. Conserving water helps:

• Save on your water bill

• Reduce strain on our water supply and treatment systems

• Protect the local environment (rivers, lakes, wetlands)

How We Use Water in the Home

In a typical household, the biggest water uses break down roughly as:

• Toilets: ~ 45 %

• Showers & Baths: ~ 30 %

• Laundry: ~ 20 %

• Drinking & Cooking: ~ 5 %

Simple Water-Saving Tips

• Keep showers to 5 minutes or less — every extra minute can waste 10–20 L

• Turn off water while brushing teeth or shaving

• Only run dishwasher or washing machine when fully loaded

• Water lawns and gardens only when needed — once or twice per week may suffice depending on conditions

• Use a rain barrel to capture rainwater for your garden

• Regularly check outdoor hoses, pipes, and faucets for leaks

Common Leaks & How They Add Up

Some frequent sources of leaks:

• Faucets, showerheads

• Toilets (often the biggest culprit)

• Appliances (dishwasher, washing machine)

• Irrigation systems, hoses, outdoor taps

Even a small leak can have a big cost:

• A leak about 1/32" in diameter can waste ~ 180 m³/year — cost: significant

• Larger leaks (e.g. 3 mm) can waste thousands of m³ — huge expense and waste

Detecting Leaks: What You Can Do

1. Check Your Water Meter

• Turn off all taps and appliances using water

• Watch the meter for 1 minute

• If the “leak indicator” dial is moving or a “+” sign shows, you likely have a leak

2. Faucet / Tap Leaks

• Tighten handles

• Replace washers or cartridges

3. Toilet Test

• Remove the tank lid

• Add 5 drops of food colouring (or a dye tablet)

• Do not flush

• Wait 5 minutes

• If colour appears in the bowl, you have a leak (flapper valve, overflow, etc.)

Preparing for Periods When You’re Away

• Keep indoor temperature at least 15 °C

• Turn off the main water supply and drain pipes

• Ask someone to check your home if you will be away for an extended period