Water Conservation

Clean water is essential to humans and only about one per cent of all the water on the planet is available for consumption. This means we must all do our part to conserve clean water and to safely return it to the ecosystem.

Banff utilities are billed by usage, so conserving water means saving money. For example, a toilet leak could cost you as much at $100 per year. Follow these tips to save money and water.

  • Landscape with native plants, trees, and shrubs that require little water. 
  • Water lawns only when necessary, and in the early morning to prevent evaporation.
  • Replace your toilets with dual-flow models and take advantage of a rebate.
  • Replace your faucets and shower heads with low flow models. Low flow models are required for all new residential construction in Banff.
  • Only run dishwashers and washing machines when you have a full load.
  • Wash your vegetables or toothbrush in partially filled sinks instead allowing the tap to run continuously.
  • Chill drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
  • Consider waterless urinals, greywater recycling, rainwater collection, and whether you really need to flush the toilet.
  • Test for leaks in all of your fixtures, and repair them right away.
  • Consider that drains on the street run directly into the Bow River and don't allow pollutants or harmful chemicals to wash down the storm drains. Find out about storm water and water pollution prevention.
  • Take shorter (five minute( showers)
  • Collect and reuse water for outdoor plants
  • Clean outside with a broom instead of a hose.
Water Drop

Test for Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks can waste as much as 28 bathtubs full of water every month. That could be costing you $100 a year and adding significantly to our burden on the environment.

You can test your own toilets for leakage easily. Follow these simple steps and help stop the waste:

  1. Put a few drops of food colouring into the toilet tank.
  2. Wait a few minutes.
  3. If the water in the toilet bowl changes color you have a leak.

We suggest you do this every six months, and make simple repairs if you find a leak. Fixing a leaky toilet is easy. Most leaks are the result of a worn out toilet flapper, which can be replaced within minutes. If you're handy, you can do it yourself by taking your old flapper to the hardware store to find the right replacement or call a plumber.

Drought - Current Conditions

See news and updates from the provincial government about drought conditions in Alberta.