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Water Management
The Home

Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 17 July 2002
Last Reviewed: 10 October 2004

Photo of an unprotected wellPlenty 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.

Unprotected wells are a high risk location for contaminated surface water to directly pollute the ground water through surface runoff.

Photo of a wellThis section describes best management practices for: the well, home water efficiency, the septic system, and household hazardous wastes.

Every year you should check that the sanitary seal and well cap are secure and watertight.

Checklist for Your Well

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)

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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.

Fixture
Water-Efficient Measure
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 wash full loads only
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.

Photo of a septic tankWater 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.

Have your septic tank pumped at least every three years.

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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
  • unused medicines
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

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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


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