Reducing water use at home

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We review all possible hardware-related causes of excess water use, such as leaks or inefficient fixtures and offer free water-efficient replacement fixtures to homeowners.
We ask questions about water use behaviours in your household to see how much water you believe you are currently using. This includes habits such as length of showers, number of toilet flushes, etc.

If we don’t find obvious causes in the first step, the excess consumption comes from water use habits or behaviours.

People often underestimate the amount of water they’re using. This exercise 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.

Why complete a free home water review?

Gain a better understanding of your water bill how to use it as a water-saving tool.
Access free water-efficient tap aerators or showerheads.
Find your household’s water hardness and learn more about our Water softener plumbing rebate program.
Get a personalized report of where and how your household is using water.
Receive helpful advice and tips about saving water.

Who is eligible?

Owners of single- or semi-detached homes or townhomes and/or duplexes with their own meter, who receive water from a municipality in Waterloo Region and use 5.5m³of water per person, per month or more on their utility or water bill.

How do I calculate average monthly water use per person for my household?

Find the water section of your utility bill.
Look for the area listing “Consumption” on your bill. This is measured in cubic metres (m³). One cubic metre equals 1,000 litres of water. Note: Your utility bill may look different based on the municipality you live in.
Calculate average water use per person, per month by taking your total household consumption and dividing it by the number of people living in your household. If your average monthly water use is 5.5 m³ of water per person or higher, you're eligible for a free home water review.

Note: Except for those billed monthly in Kitchener, most households in Waterloo region receive a water bill every two months. If your household is billed bi-monthly you’ll need to divide your total household consumption by two, then divide your monthly consumption by the number of people in your household.

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

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

This household would not qualify for a free home water review because their average monthly water use is below 5.5 m³.

Residents interested in registering for the Water Softener Plumbing Rebate Program may also be eligible.

Do you have any questions about the WET Home Water Review? Get in touch with us at watercycle@regionofwaterloo.ca

Schedule appointment

Checking for leaks in your home

Leaks can be costly in water loss and money. Dripping faucets and other leaks can add up over time. Watch this video to learn where to look for leaks in your home.

Toilet leaks

Your toilet can silently leak up to 330 litres a day; about $50 a month in lost water. In many cases, replacing the flapper can be an easy fix. If you haven't changed the toilet flapper in several years, it is worth checking for a possible leak.

How to check if the toilet flapper is leaking

Add a few drops of food colouring to the tank of the toilet
Wait 15 to 20 minutes
Look in the toilet bowl. If you see food colouring, you have a leak.
Flush the toilet to avoid staining

Outdoor water use

Outdoor water use such as watering grass or gardens, filling pools and washing cars can quickly increase your water use and your water bill.

For example, watering gardens for 20 minutes every other day with a hose nozzle would use 4,500 litres of water per month and add about $25 to your monthly water bill.

Outdoor water use restrictions

The Region of Waterloo Water Conservation By-law (07-069) is in effect from May 31 to September 30. The By-law helps to lower daily water use and level off peak demands that can put a strain on the water supply and distribution system.

Learn more about the Water Conservation By-law and find your watering schedule based on you address.

Smart watering tips

A thorough watering once per week is the best way to maintain a healthy lawn. Rain is often enough!
Over watering your lawn or garden is harmful, not helpful! Excess moisture can rot grass roots and creates the perfect environment for disease.
Watering early in the morning is best for your grass and gardens. Midday wind and hot sun will evaporate the water meant for your plants.
Try leaving a small container (like a tuna can) on your lawn! When the container is full, your lawn has enough water for the week. Only one inch per week encourages deep, healthy roots.
Brown grass isn’t dead, only dormant. It’s OK to let your lawn go dormant. Grass can live four to six weeks without water. It will bounce back!

Choose a water wise garden

Choose plants that don’t need much water and are suited to our local climate.
A layer of organic mulch helps keep moisture in the soil and provides nutrients too.
Use rain barrels to harvest rainwater that’s perfect for gardens and grass.

Tips for irrigation systems

Use a timer to not water too long, and only within by-law hours.
Check regularly for leaks.
Make sure water isn’t being wasted on sidewalks or other hard surfaces.
Consider an efficient drip irrigation system that delivers water to the roots.
Manual irrigation is more efficient and less expensive than an automatic system.

Rain barrels

As of 2023, the Region of Waterloo is no longer holding rain barrel sales.

Using rain water reduces stress on the municipal water system during the summer months from increased demand and more drought weather events. Rain barrels also help divert water from paved surfaces keeping water cleaner and reducing stress on stormwater infrastructure during rainstorms.

If you are using a rain barrel, you may be eligible for a stormwater credit on your water utility bill. Contact the City where you live to learn more.

City of Kitchener stormwater credit program

City of Waterloo stormwater credit program

Winterize your rain barrel in five easy steps

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.

Drain your rain barrel – open the spigot (tap) and once drained, flip upside down to drain any remaining water.
Remove and clean the spigot and all hoses – hoses can split in winter temperatures, so it's best to store indoors.
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.
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.
Reattach your downspout – Don’t forget to re-connect the full-length downspout. Position the bottom of the downspout away from your foundation.

Native gardens and irrigation systems

Pools and hot tubs

If you own a pool or hot tub, you know the enjoyment they can provide. It is also important to maintain your pool and hot tub properly to protect and conserve our community’s water supply.

Reducing the amount of water you use can save you money and help ensure an adequate supply of water for our growing community.

For more information on water saving tips for pools and hot tubs visit the pools and hot tubs page.

Water softener plumbing rebate

Softening only your home's hot water will save you money on water and salt and helps to protect the environment. Softening hot water only can save a household of three, 108 kilograms of salt and 8,800 litres of water per year.

Limited time offer: Receive a one-time rebate of $50 per household to change the plumbing to soften hot water only.

General information on water softener is available on our Water Softener web page.

Who is eligible

Waterloo Region homeowners of single, semi-detached or townhouses using a salt-based softener who have:

changed plumbing from softening cold and hot water to softening hot water only
installed a new water softener that only softens hot water

Businesses and large apartment buildings are not eligible.

Should I soften hot water only?

Softening hot water only has advantages and some disadvantages.

Benefits include:

saving money as your softener will use less water and salt
saving time with fewer heavy bags of salt to carry
less wear and tear on your water softener
your hot water heater is still protected against scaling
lowering chloride pollution in the environment
unsalted drinking water from any cold-water faucet in your home

Drawbacks might include:

increased cleaning or maintenance to keep scale from building up on toilets, showers and appliances. This can be cleaned with vinegar or other products.
Without proper care, fixtures and appliances might not last as long. These costs, however, can be offset by lower water and salt bills.

Each homeowner needs to make the decision that works for them including their level of tolerance for hard water.

How to receive the rebate

Step 1: Register for the rebate

Submit the Water Softener Plumbing Rebate form
We will send you a kit to test your home's water hardness. The test takes only a few minutes by holding a test strip under running water.
Submit your water hardness results to complete registration for the program

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.

Step 2: Complete your plumbing changes

Complete yourself or hire a plumber. The Region of Waterloo maintains a list of licensed plumbers and water softener retailers that support the Water Softener Plumbing Rebate Program.

Step 3: Confirm your plumbing changes

After the plumbing change is complete to soften hot water only:

Submit itemized plumbing receipts to the Region of Waterloo 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

Step 4: Receive the $50 rebate

Submit a void cheque or the direct vendor deposit form by email, online or mailing to Region of Waterloo - Water Efficiency, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener ON, N2G 4J3
Region of Waterloo will send you the $50 rebate using direct deposit

Participating plumbers and water softener retailers

These organizations support softening hot water only. The Regional Municipality of Waterloo gives no warranty, express or implied, as to the quality, merchantability, workmanship or any other matter with respect to any plumber or water softener professional listed on this web page.

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

Authorized water softener dealers

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

Information for licensed plumbers and water softener retailers

Include your business on the Region of Waterloo's list of licensed plumbers and water softener retailers supporting residents changing their plumbing to soften hot water only.

How to add your business to the list

Watch the Efficient Water Softening for Plumbers video
Complete the Plumbers and Dealers list form

Promote the program to your customers

Display the Water Softener Plumbing Rebate Program poster
Email the Region of Waterloo to request printed copies

Answers to your questions about the rebate program

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.