Water Users Show Commitment to Conserving Water

News Release from Town of the Blue Mountains November 23, 2011 

In 2007, as part of its commitment to water conservation and long-term community sustainability, the Municipality committed to a reduction of 15% in total water usage by 2015. Earlier this month, Staff reported to Council that the Town is on target to meet its conservation goal.

 Factors contributing to the success in reducing water consumption include the Town Water Meter Program, fully initiated in 2008 as well as a by-law passed in 2008 limiting the outdoor use of water to specified days and times. Three years ago, the Town also introduced the sale and purchase of rain barrels to residents for the purposes of water for outdoor watering separate from the municipal system. The toilet rebate program is also credited with helping residents reduce water consumption, whereby qualified residents are given a $50 credit on their water account for the purchase of a low-flow toilet. 

 The Town plans to continue with these measures, save and except the toilet rebate program.  The replacement of larger than 6 litre toilets with more efficient models presents a significant water conservation opportunity but it is likely that the majority of residents wishing to exchange their 13 litre toilets for more efficient models have already participated in the toilet rebate program. Therefore the need to run the program again in 2012 is no longer warranted.  New homes constructed after 1996 are required to install 6 litre or less toilets under the Ontario Building Code and therefore these residential units are not eligible for rebates.

Staff will continue to explore new water saving technology programs for residents and businesses, such as a low flow showerhead program. 

Earlier this year at the 2011 Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Annual General Meeting, the Town of The Blue Mountains was recognized for its outstanding work on water conservation.  The Town received the Cities Initiative award for Most Progress on Water Conservation.

Through the Cities Initiative Water Conservation Framework, in which The Blue Mountains participates, thirty-three cities have committed to working towards a 15 percent reduction below year 2000 water use levels by the year 2015.  Collectively, almost half of the participants have already achieved a 16% reduction in water consumption, conserving approximately 106 billion gallons or 401 billion litres of water.

 For more information on The Blue Mountains’ water conservation efforts, please visit www.thebluemountains.ca/water-services.cfm.