Water Efficient Homes

For more information

Call 905-546-2489 orEmail [email protected]

With some simple changes to how we think and act, we can all reduce our water usage and our water bills.

Water is one of our most precious resources. Preventing water waste helps to conserve this vital resource while saving you money. In homes, the main sources of water waste are from leaks, indoor overuse, and outdoor over-watering of lawns and gardens. You may not realize you have a leak until you receive your water bill. Many leaks may go unnoticed, but they can be costly.

Conserving water will go along way to saving you money, and protecting the environment.

The kitchen is where 15% of all water is used at home. This water is generally used for drinking, cooking and cleaning.

Tips to reduce water consumption in the kitchen

The bathroom is the largest water consuming area in the home; 65% of water used is in the bathroom.

Tips to reduce water consumption in the bathroom

Savings from water conservation at home

Estimated savings from switching one regular toilet to a low flow toilet:

Washing machines Represent over 20% of all water used inside the home. High Efficiency (HE) washers use between 30% to 40% less water and as much as 70% less energy than standard (non-HE) top loading machines

Tips to reduce water use in the laundry room

High Efficiency (HE) Washers

Estimated savings from switching to an HE washing machine:

Below are some tips for discovering water leaks. If you find that you are experiencing a significant leak, please see the Leak Adjustment Program to determine eligibility for financial compensation.

To discover water leaks in your home, you need to follow these steps:

You may wish to contact a qualified tradesperson to help you find and repair any leaks. You can also download the Leak Detection Guide(PDF, 7.15 MB) for more water leak tips.

High volume water leaks often come from toilets. They are hard to detect and are usually caused by worn or misaligned parts.

Follow these steps to check your toilet for leaks:

A leaking faucet can waste from 280 to 750 L of water in a week.

To avoid leaking faucets and pipes, you should:

Electronic leak sensors placed under major household appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, alert you as soon as water starts to collect underneath the appliance.

You can fix most leaks by installing new WaterSense labelled fixtures and other high-efficiency appliances.

Avoid a high water bill from an unexpected leak by turning off your water before you go away:

Shut off the inside water supply if your house is going to be unoccupied for any length of time, even if it is only for a weekend, except where water is used for heating.

Close the inside building control shut-off valve and open faucets to relieve pressure in the lines. If there is no shut-off valve, close the water supply to toilets, sinks, tubs and washing machines that often have individual shut-off valves.

If your property will be vacant for 90 days or more, call 905-546-2489 within 24 hours of leaving to arrange for the City to turn your water off at the street. Please note that there is an applicable fee for this service.

To arrange for account payments while you are away, call Alectra Utilities Customer Service at 1-833-253-2872.

The City of Hamilton's Residential Leak Protection Program administered by ServLine, provides protection to residents from a high-water bill caused by a qualifying leak.

Please refer to City of Hamilton's Leak Protection Program guidelines and qualifications(PDF, 41.28 KB) before completing the Water Leak Adjustment Form. This form must be completed no later than 60 calendar days from the billing date.

Any residential customer may request additional information concerning the City of Hamilton's Leak Protection Program administered by ServLine by calling 1-888-977-7471