Water is critical to all aspects of our lives and it is important that we ensure there is a safe and reliable source of water for all our uses – now and in the future.Our drinking water comes from lakes, rivers, streams or underground sources (aquifers) located across the province. All of these sources of water are linked in a watershed through the water cycle. Drinking water sources can be easily contaminated and have a limited tolerance for stress. Long terms problems can develop that are costly or even impossible to correct.

In order to make sure we have enough clean water for drinking and other uses, we need to protect sources by managing the influences on them. Drinking water is best protected by taking an approach that uses multiple barriers to prevent contamination from affecting our drinking water. Known as the ‘multibarrier approach’, it includes taking actions to prevent contamination of sources of our water, using adequate water treatment and distribution systems, water testing and training of water managers.

Safe drinking water is everybody’s business. Managing drinking water supplies properly, from the source water to the consumer’s tap, takes a great deal of knowledge and coordination among multiple stakeholders–from governments and businesses, to individuals like you.

The key to ensuring clean, safe and reliable drinking water is to understand the drinking water supply from the source all the way to the consumer’s tap. This knowledge includes understanding the general characteristics of the water and the land surrounding the water source, as well as mapping all the real and potential threats to the water quality.

Boil Water Advisory

Instructions for Using Water in the Home During a Boil Water Advisory

During an advisory, it is essential that all water to be used for the following activities be boiled:

• drinking
• preparing infant formulas
• preparing juices and ice cubes
• washing fruits and vegetables
• cooking
• dental hygiene

Holding water at a rolling boil for at least 1 minute will inactivate all waterborne pathogenicmicro-organisms. Water can be boiled either in a pot or kettle on a stove, an electric kettle without an automatic shut-off or in a microwave oven. If water is boiled in a microwave, it is advisable to include a glass rod or wooden or plastic stir stick in the container to provide nucleation sites for bubble formation and energy diffusion. This will prevent the formation of superheated water.

Under most circumstances it is not necessary to boil water used for other household purposes. Adults, adolescents and older children may shower, bathe or wash using tap water but should avoid swallowing the water. Toddlers and infants should be sponge bathed. In non-outbreak situations, dishes and laundry may be washed in tap water, either by hand or by machine.

All Utility Customers are required to have a water meter installed. Water meters will help ensure that all users are billed fairly for water. There is no charge for the installation of these meters but homeowners are responsible for protecting the meter once installed.

Metering provides information on how much water is used by whom, where and in which season. This can be used to improve management of the water systems and to fairly charge customers for the water they actually use. Metering also provides the most fair and equitable basis to pay for water. People who use less, pay less.

1. Locate your water meter.
2. Turn off all water-using appliances in and around your home or business. Wait 5-10 minutes.
3. Return to your water meter. Look at the meter face. If the red triangle or dial is spinning when all water-using appliances in and outside the home or business are turned off, you possibly have a leak.

Leaks are generally the result of faulty plumbing, appliances and fixtures. Ninety percent of high water bills are caused by leaks. If a leak is found in a home or business, it is the responsibility of the individual owner to take the necessary steps toward repairing the leak.

During the spring and summer months water use can increase by 50 per cent because of outdoor watering activities. By adopting some water-savvy habits around your home this summer, you can save money on your water bills and still have the pristine lawn and garden that are the pride of the neighbourhood. What can you do to this summer to make every drop count?

Detect Leaks, Save Money!

• 90% of high water bills are caused by leaks.
• Leaky toilets cause more water waste than any other fixture in the home. The cause of most toilet leaks is a worn out flapper or ballcock.

Indoor Tips

• Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Leaks waste water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Do not let the faucet run while brushing your teeth. Just wet your toothbrush and fill a small glass with water for rinsing out your mouth.
• Select the appropriate water level for the size of your load of laundry.

Outdoor Tips

• Avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. when heat causes water to evaporate.
• Water only when you need to. Just one inch of water over the week, including rainfall, is all your lawn needs to stay healthy. Use a rain gauge or place a Frisbee upside down on your lawn while you are watering to measure the one inch (2.5 cm) your lawn needs over the week.
• Keep your grass three inches long and it will shade its own roots from the scorching sun and choke out those pesky weeds and dandelions. It also holds moisture better, reducing watering needs.