WATER & UTILITIES

Water Conservation and Tips

At the Town of Stouffville, we understand that water is one of our most important natural resources and managing its use is the key to conservation – plus this will help save you money on your water bills.

Summer watering restrictions

To help manage water usage and ensure a sufficient supply, Stouffville and York Region have developed an Outdoor Water Use Program. This program is in place each year from May 15 to September 30.

Non-essential outdoor water can be used at the following times on even or odd days depending on your house number:

  • 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

If you live in an odd number house, you can use outdoor water on odd numbered days of the month. If you live in an even number house, you can use outdoor water on even numbered days.

Exceptions

There is a one-month grace period for new sod or grass seed. If you plant new seed or sod, you don’t need to follow the watering guidelines in the Outdoor Water Use Program.

Water conservation tips

Use these water conservation tips to help reduce your water usage and conserve water:

  • Use low flow showerheads in regular showerheads which can reduce flow by as much as 40%
  • Shorten your showering time
  • Use low flow aerators on all inside faucets which can reduce water flow by as much as 50%
  • When replacing fixtures insist on water conservation models and look for the WaterSense® label
  • Fix or replace faucets that are leaking
  • Check toilets for leaks

Water For Tomorrow has many more tips and information that can assist you with your conservation efforts.

Monitoring water filtration units

Some houses use appliances such as humidifiers, water filtration units and water softeners that make the home more comfortable and can also use significant amounts of water. It is important that homeowners understand how these types of appliance work and how to control the amount of water they consume.

All appliances can malfunction, and some water filtration units have been linked to extreme excessive water consumption. If you own any water filtration unit, we encourage you to monitor it regularly to ensure it is operating properly.

Water filtration units can malfunction and remain in 'self-clean' mode which can increase daily water consumption up to 35 cubic meters per day. Average daily household usage in the Town of Stouffville is 0.68 cubic meters.

Water leaks

If you have a leak, your water use will increase and remain elevated until it is fixed. This will affect your water consumption charges and result in a higher utility bill.

You may not hear or see a water leak. Most leaks are silent, and you will not necessarily see water on the floor!

Checking for water leaks

Try these methods if you suspect you might have a water leak.

The face of the water meter features a flow indicator that spins as water flows through the meter (small red triangular on an older style meter or a red dial on the new style meter). To check for leaks, turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets and observe the meter.  Any movement of the flow indicator while not using any water may indicate the presence of a water leak in your system.

Toilets are a common cause of leaks. To check for leaks, place food colouring in the tank at the back of your toilet. Do not flush. Wait and observe for 10-15 minutes.  If colour seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak.

Water Watch

Sign up now for the new portal that helps monitor water consumption and avoid costly leaks. 

High water bills

An increase in water use will result in high water bills. All water bills are based on the water meter readings. You are responsible for the cost of all water that passes through your water meter, whether it is used or wasted.

Leaks in your home, such as a dripping faucet or running toilet can also lead to high water bills. A leaky toilet can waste up to 600 cubic metres a month or 20 cubic metres a day.

Accessible formats available upon request. Contact 905-640-1900 or customer.service@townofws.ca for assistance.
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