Clean water is a precious resource and Canada holds 20% of the world’s fresh water supply. Many countries dream of having greater access to water within their own borders.
Unfortunately, we are at the top of the list in terms of its waste. Every Quebecer consumes on average 420 litres of drinking water per day, which is twice that of our European counterparts. Cleaning, cooking, laundry, shower … we use water in our homes for a number of tasks and not always in an efficient manner.
Why Is It So Important to Conserve Water?
Some people wonder why we have to be careful with how we consume our drinking water when we have so much it. One of the reasons is that polluted or unsafe water costs citizens a lot of money. The decontamination process is expensive. Many countries do not have the financial means to clean it up. A large percentage of water loss is also due to leaky piping. Moreover, many animals call aquatic habitats home and the litter and chemicals that are allowed to wash into their environment too often causes them to die from poisoning or suffocation.
Uses for Rainwater
There are many uses for harvested rainwater in and around the home. For example, some items such as the car or garden furniture can be washed with untreated water. Rainwater can be used to keep our plants and lawns green as well as adding water to the pool. It can also be used to give paving stones a deep clean for those who like to have an impeccable driveway.
How It Is Used Around the World
But these examples are insignificant compared to what is being done on other continents. In fact, elsewhere in the world, this blue gold is scarce and residents take great care of it. Australia is a champion: half of all households have a rainwater barrel. The reclaimed water is used to wash clothes, dishes, etc., and irrigate gardens. In China, people even go so far as to harvest the morning dew and in Peru, the fog. Incredible!
How Can You Reclaim It?
Want to give it a try? The easiest way is to get a rain barrel that you can install in your backyard. You will first need to disconnect your foundation drain’s downspouts or direct them to the barrel. Gravity will do the work of collecting the water, but you can also install a pump. Other people place a tank on the outside that will fill up day by day, slowly but surely. It is not as fast nor as effective, but it is still an environmentally friendly move. You can also buy different systems for your household needs, such as a device that fills toilet bowls.
What Type of Barrel Should You Select?
It is important that the barrel be circular to prevent water from stagnating in the corners. It must also include a wire screen to keep critters away, as well as a spigot, for ease of use! And to prevent water from evaporating too quickly in the summer, it’s best that the barrel be made of a UV resistant material. One last thing: make sure it has an overflow, that is a top exit point where water can escape when the reservoir threatens to overflow (position it away from the foundation of your home to avoid water leaking in).
The Costs
A good barrel costs about $250 in stores, but DIYers can make their own at a fraction of the price. The more complex systems are more expensive, however, particularly the ones that redirect water toward toilet bowls.
The not so eco-friendly among us might not see the point of collecting rainwater. It is true that Quebecers do not have to foot a bill for the treated water they consume. But did you know that they still pay for it in the end? In fact, through our taxes, we spend a fortune for the quality water that comes in through our taps. In Montreal alone, the water treatment bill can reach $800,000 a year.
Other things we can do to conserve this precious resource include taking shorter showers, turning off the tap when brushing teeth, letting the rain wash our car instead of pulling out the hose. Harvesting rainwater is an environmentally friendly action that helps fight climate change. Don’t hesitate to take part!