IMPROVING WATER EFFICIENCY

Walpole Island's water supply system was replaced in 1978 so it could handle the capacity of water servicing needed. The present system supplies water connections to 531 residents and 115 connections to summer cottages. The water system is now working at capacity and can be expanded to meet future needs. It comes as sort of a package deal. The entire plant consists of two identical units but presently only one is installed.

Walpole's newest edition to the system, the Water Tower, was constructed in 1994 to service the community in the event of an emergency shutdown (eg. spills). It is located beside the Tahgahoning Enterprises Inc. administration office so that it is in a centralized area. It holds 350,000 gallons of water, enough to service all residents on the waterline for approximately 5 days. After the stored water is all used up it takes approximately 30 hours to replenish the tower again with new water from the St. Clair river. Our water comes directly from the St. Clair River. We must always remember this when we go swimming, boating or picnicking. Although the water does get treated at the plant, that does not mean that we can pollute or dump waste into our river. The chemical pollution is already a big enough concern for Walpole Island's water supply intake. All of the pollution, chemical spills or accidental dumps haunt us one way or another. So the next time you're out and about in the river, remember that it is the same water that you and I drink.

Even in places where the water supply still seems adequate, extensive water use causes lots or environmental problems:

• great amounts of energy are used to transport, heat and treat water, so wasting water also wastes energy;
• diverting water from rivers and lakes destroys natural habitat and may interfere with the migration of fish, preventing them from reproducing;
• waste water dumped back into rivers and lakes is similarly damaging;
• in areas of poor drainage or high water table, reduced water use can save you from septic tank and drain field overflow;
• the high water quality required for household use means that supply systems and disposal systems are more complicated, expensive and energy intensive, and available sources are more restricted.

Other benefits are that we would all have lower utility bills since electricity is required to heat or pump (if you have a well) the water. Equally important, the household is where society's fundamental habits are expressed and formed. So if we use water wisely in our household, we will have the awareness, commitment and empowerment to make sure water is used wisely in agriculture and industry. Remember, we have to do our part too.

Ways To Protect Water Quality

• You should avoid hazardous cleaning products (e.g. paint thinners / degreasers) avoid these as much as possible and be sure not to pour these substances down the drain.
• Store your hazardous waste carefully until you can take them to a hazardous waste depot.
• If possible don't buy or use any coloured toilet paper because the chemicals in the dyes will get into the water system and contaminate it even more.
• Avoid pesticide use at your home all together, and be sure to purchase organic and pesticide free produce. (also see Section 1)
• Always make sure that you maintain your septic system and have the sludge pumped every two years.
• During the winter don't use salt on sidewalks or driveways, instead use calcium or corn.
  

Did you know that Canadians use more water a day than most other countries! We use to an excess of about 200 litres of' household water a day. There are many ways that we can reduce our intake of water. They are all simple, efficient and most of all they're likely to save you money in the long run.

How To Conserve Water in the Home

Action Area 1: The Bathroom
The bathroom is a major area of water loss or consumption in the home. What can you do? Well, for starters the next time you're going to take a bath, take a quick five minute shower instead. It will hopefully save you a third if the water you would use taking a bath.

You can also install a water saving shower head which will cut your water consumption about 70%. It will pay for itself alone with cutting your heating costs. They are available at Canadian Tire from $20 - $40.

Also, in the bathroom, your family should check the toilet for any leaks. If you find you have a leak, repair it immediately. Flush your toilet only when necessary - do not use it to dispose of Kleenex. If you have are replacing your toilet or building a new bathroom, you may want to consider a water saving toilet. These toilets can save you about 140 litres a year. Or you can install a toilet dam. These are available at many hardware and plumbing stores at low cost, and are easy to install. Or plastic jugs filled with stones can be used, provided you keep them clear of the flushing mechanism.

When you or anyone else in your home is shaving, brushing their teeth or washing, turn the tap off when you don't need the water rather than letting it run continuously. Also, while you're in the shower, turn the tap off while washing and only turn it on in short bursts to rinse off.

Action Area 2: The Kitchen
When you need a cold glass of water, instead of letting the water run until it is cold, keep a container of cool water in the fridge. Further reduce water consumption by adding an aerator to your faucet. They are available for about $3-$4 dollars.

Avoid using garbage disposals.

Save the water you use to wash vegetables and water plants with it. Fill the sink rather than running the water continuously when washing and rinsing off dishes.

Action Area 3: The Laundry Room
Only wash clothes when you have a full load rather than washing only small loads at a time. If your washing machine has a water level setting, be sure to set it at the appropriate level.

Action Area 4: The Entire Home
Check for leaks regularly and fix any you may find immediately. Also you shoul always remember to turn the tap off tightly so you won't have any dripping faucets.

Action Area 5: Outside of the Home
Use mulch in your garden to reduce water needs. Select plants that need minimal irrigation. Water plants and flowers in the morning to reduce evaporation. Make sure soil has enough organic matter to hold water.