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.