Water Management - The Home
Table of Contents
- Checklist for Your Well
- Home Water Efficiency
- The Septic System
- Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
- Available in Published Version of Water Management
Plenty of clean drinking water is something most of us in Ontario take
for granted. Each day, greater demands are being made on our water supplies.
In fact, 15,000 to 20,000 new wells are installed each year in Ontario.
A recent survey of rural wells in Ontario raised some concerns about
the quality of the water we are drinking.
Wise management of your home's water will help to ensure ample and safe
water for everyone. You'll also realize some energy savings, and help
your septic system function properly.
Figure 1. Unprotected wells are a high risk location for contaminated
surface water to directly pollute the ground water through surface runoff.
This section describes best management practices for: the well, home
water efficiency, the septic system, and household hazardous wastes.
Figure 2. Every year you should check that the sanitary seal and
well cap are secure and watertight.
Each year make sure that:
- surface drainage around your well is directed away from the well casing
- water doesn't pond on the ground near the well
- the sanitary seal and well cap are securely in place and watertight
- the well cap is at least 40 cm. above normal ground level
- all joints, connections, or cracks in the well casing are sealed with
cement, grout, or other commercial materials
- well pump and distribution systems are in good condition
- a permanent grass buffer of a minimum 4-metre width is maintained
around the well head
- water is tested for bacteria (contact your local Health office)
Home Water Efficiency
Keeping track of household water use for one week can help to identify
the main areas of water use and where to target efficiency efforts.
Water-Effient Measures
Shower
- install a water-efficient shower head ($10-$4)
Toilet
- install a toilet dam (saves 4 litres/ flush, $7)
- install a water-efficient toilet that uses 6 litres per flush ($150-300)
Dishwasher
Washing Machines
- do one less load of laundry/week
- use a 'suds saver' feature that allows rinse to be reused (saves
50% water on second load)
Kitchen Faucet
- install a kitchen faucet aerator that maintains spray while using
less water ($5)
Bathroom Faucet
- install a bathroom faucet aerator ($5)
Lawn Watering
- don't water your lawn
- water in evening /early morning
- choose grass varieties or ground cover that are drought-tolerant
- use drip or trickle method
- install a timer to avoid overwatering ($12-$60)
The Septic System
All wastewater produced in the house must be disposed of through the
septic system. This includes toilets, showers, baths, dishwashers, and
washing machines.
Water softener backwash should be diverted away from the septic
system and treated in a separate leaching pit. Otherwise, if your water
softener malfunctions, it can cause a total malfunction of the septic
system.
Keep storm or drainage water out of the septic system. Eavestroughs,
foundation drains, and footing drains should be drained away from the
septic system.
Keep household hazardous wastes out of the septic system. It is not designed
to treat these wastes.
Figure 3. Have your septic tank pumped at least every three years.
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
Common sense prevails in properly managing household hazardous wastes:
- never dispose of hazardous wastes down a drain or a toilet
- use alternatives to hazardous products
- buy only the amount you will use
- don't over-water your lawn after using pesticides and fertilizers.
Runoff to streams or infiltration to ground water can occur
- securely store any excess in a well-ventilated place for transport
to a Hazardous Waste Collection Depot
Disposal
Take excess household hazardous products to your recycling
depot (for specific products such as batteries, paints, or oil), or to
a Hazardous Waste Depot.
Many communities are holding special collection days for hazardous
wastes. Contact your municipality for information.
Hazardous Wastes Used Around the Home Include:
Pesticide and Garden Products
- fertilizers, insecticides, weed killers, rat poisons, mothballs, flea
collars, and sprays
Health Products
Vehicle Products
- batteries and battery acid, transmission fluid, antifreeze, car wax
with solvents, motor oil
Paints and Glue Products
- brush cleaners, enamel or oil-based paints, paint strippers, primers,
stains/finishes, thinners, turpentine, wood preservatives
Cleaning Products
- chlorine bleach, disinfectants, floor and furniture polish, oven cleaners,
metal cleaners, rug and upholstery cleaners
Other Wastes
- dry-cell batteries, butane lighters and cylinders, lighter fluid,
swimming pool chemicals
Available in Published Version of Water Management
- Pathways of Water
- The Water Cycle Around Your Home
- Water Sources
- Looking Beneath the Surface
- Ground Water and Your Well
- The Flow of Ground Water
- Water Use
- Wastewater
- The Flow of Wastewater - Chart
- Best Management Practices
- The Well
- Well Construction
- Location and Maintenance
- Abandoned and Unused Wells
- Water Testing: Detecting Water Quality Problems - Chart
- The Septic System
- Location, Care, Maintenance and Use
Best
Management Practices: Water Management
