1. Together, we'll review your water bill and read your water meter to better understand your concerns. Using your water bill as a measurement tool is the first step in your water-saving journey.

2. We'll review all water-using fixtures and appliances in your home for potential leaks or inefficiencies. For homes with water softeners, we'll test your water hardness too.

3. We'll have a conversation about how your household uses water. Before your visit, consider how much water you are using for various water-using activities. This includes how long you are in the shower, how many times you flush the toilet, etc. 

4. Within a week of your review, we'll send you a personalized report with our findings with  actions you can take to reduce your water use. 

We may not find obvious causes of water waste when reviewing fixtures and appliances. In this case, excess consumption likely comes from water use habits or behaviours.

After completing thousands of home water reviews, we've found that people often underestimate how much water they’re using for various activities around their home.

A review helps to highlight the difference between what you perceive you’re using, and what you’re actually using. Since your water meter measures the amount of water flowing through it, we have an accurate starting point for understanding how habits and behaviours can directly contribute to your household water use.

1. Find the water section of your utility bill.
2. Look for the area listing “Consumption” on your bill. Water use is measured in cubic metres (m³). Note: Your utility bill may look different based on the municipality you live in.
   
   
3. Calculate average monthly water use per person, take your monthly household consumption and divide it by the number of people living in your home. If your average monthly water use per person is 5.5 cubic metres or higher, you're eligible for a free home water review.

Note: For households receiving a water bill every two months, divide your bi-monthly household consumption by two, then divide your monthly consumption by the number of people in your home.

Example: A four-person household in the City of Waterloo with bi-monthly household consumption of 36 m³

1. To calculate monthly household consumption, divide bi-monthly household consumption by two: 36 m³ ÷ 2 = 18 m³ 
2. To calculate average monthly water use, per person divide monthly household consumption by number of people:18 m³÷ 4 = 4.5 m³ 

Schedule to winterize your rain barrel once the weather gets cooler – but before the first freeze. This will prevent water from freezing and cracking your rain barrel so you'll be ready to collect rainwater next spring.

Choose a time when you’ll have a chance to set it out to dry in direct sunlight.

1. Drain your rain barrel – open the spigot (tap) and once drained, flip upside down to drain any remaining water.
2. Remove and clean the spigot and all hoses – hoses can split in winter temperatures, so it's best to store indoors.
3. Clean the barrel, lid and screen – clear out any muck, algae or debris that has built up inside the barrel, on the lid and screen over the summer.
4. Store your rain barrel – Once your barrel and accessories are clean and dry, it’s ideal to store in a garage, shed or basement. If storing outdoors, place your barrel upside down in a sheltered area. Adding a few bricks on top will prevent it from blowing away.
5. Reattach your downspout – Don’t forget to re-connect the full-length downspout. Position the bottom of the downspout away from your foundation.

1. Complete the Water Softener Plumbing Rebate form. We will send you a kit to test your home's water hardness. You can also register for the rebate during a free Home Water Review where a consultant will test your home's water hardness and complete the rebate registration.
2. Submit your water hardness results to complete registration for the program
3. Complete plumbing changes yourself or hire a plumber. We have a list of licensed plumbers and water softener retailers that support the program.
4. Confirm your plumbing changes are complete.
   • Submit itemized plumbing receipts by email, online form or mailing to Region of Waterloo - Water Efficiency, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener ON, N2G 4J3 OR
   • Have your water hardness tested as part of the Home Water Review or request more water hardness test strips
5. Once approved, we'll be in touch to set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to allow for a direct deposit of your $50 rebate.

The Water Softener Facts website has information on how water softeners work, a buyers guide and water hardness maps.

Why should I use less salt?
Chlorides from salt are not removed during the wastewater treatment process. Water softener salt ends up in Grand River and can be harmful to plants and animals.

Why should I use less water?
Waterloo Region relies on groundwater for drinking water. As our community grows it is important there is enough water for everyone. Conserving water also helps lower energy use and associated greenhouse gases.

How much will the plumbing cost to soften hot water only?
Plumbing costs are unique for each home and depends on the home's layout. Early program participants are typically reporting costs of $300 to $400.

Can I apply for the rebate if I rent my water softener?
Yes. Renting your water softener does not affect your eligibility for this program. You may want to check the terms of your softener rental contract first.

Can I apply for the $50 rebate if I'm buying new softener?
Yes, as long as you install the new softener on hot water only and were not previously softening hot water only. This applies if you are buying a replacement water softener or your first one.

I already soften hot water only. Can I apply for the $50 rebate?
If you made the switch within the last six months and have the required documentation, you can apply for the rebate. Our rebate program is to encourage people to make the switch and compensate for the plumbing costs.

How long does it take to realize benefits of switching to softening hot water only?
For an average family of three, softening hot water saves an estimated $84 per year. Repayment time depends on your plumbing costs. If the plumbing change costs $350, it would take 3.5 years. 

Can you help me find a plumber to switch to softening hot water only?
The Region of Waterloo does not endorse or recommend specific organizations but we have a list of licensed plumbers and water softener retailers who will help customers soften hot water only.

Will softening hot water only void my washing machine's warranty?
Unlikely, but check your owner's manual to confirm. Most common manufacturers' warranties do not require soft water for their machines. Scale buildup will happen slower when using cold water instead of hot.

Will my showerhead warranty be voided?
No, manufacturers do not require softened water for showerheads. You may get scale buildup on your showerhead affecting water pressure. Remove scale buildup by soaking the showerhead in vinegar.

Does hard water cause spotty dishes? Will scale buildup ruin my dishwasher?
No. Dishwashers are usually connected to hot water only, so the water supply will still be softened. You should not notice any difference with a dishwasher from softening hot water only. If your dishwasher is connected to the cold water line, consult your owner's manual before switching to hard water.

Will hard water create scale buildup inside the toilet tank?
Yes, overtime the flapper and fill valve inside the tank can develop mineral buildup. Buildup may need to be cleaned off the flapper seat or the flapper. Once a year, use vinegar to clean the flapper. Flappers can also be easily replaced. The jets that release water into the toilet bowl may sometimes get clogged on older models. Brush away or clean using vinegar.

It is also important to check the toilet for leaks.

Will my pipes get clogged with scale buildup from hard water?
Modern pipes do not develop scale the way older galvanized pipes did. It would take a long time to build up significant scale. Hard water develops scale much slower when cold compared to hot.

Licensed plumbers

James Ball Plumbing and Heating Inc.
144 Jacob Street East, Tavistock
James Ball, Phone: 226-529-0023, Email: james@jbph.ca 
Offers water softener tune-ups: yes
Offers non-salt technologies: yes

Oakridge Plumbing Solutions
69 Trafalgar Avenue, Kitchener
Taylor McCabe, Phone: 519-568-5557, Email: service@oakridgeplumbing.ca
Offers water softener tune-ups: yes
Offers non-salt technologies: no

Plumingo
21-55 Mooregate Court, Kitchener
Stephen Harrington, Phone: 226-929-2317, Email: plumingo.info@gmail.com
Offers water softener tune-ups: yes
Offers non-salt technologies: no

Weinhardt Plumbing Inc.
199 Franklin Street North, Kitchener
W.C. Weinhardt, Phone: 519-894-3670, Email: wcweinhardt@gmail.com
Offers water softener tune-ups: yes
Offers non-salt technologies: no

Mr. Rooter Plumbing
191 Samuelson Street, Cambridge
Steven Little, Phone: 519-884-7206, Email: dispatch@mr-rooter.ca
Offers water softener tune-ups: yes
Offers non-salt technologies: no

Hy-Pro Plumbing and Drains
191 Samuelson Street, Cambridge
Steven Little, Phone: 519-743-1193, Email: dispatch@mr-rooter.ca
Offers water softener tune-ups: yes
Offers non-salt technologies: no