Kitchen

Facts

Water use in the kitchen accounts for approximately 10 per cent of the entire domestic water use (Environment Canada, Water Efficiency Master Plan).

Solutions

Although you might think that washing your dishes by hand could help to save you water, it is shown that when used properly an efficient dishwasher uses less water (Natural Resources Canada). If you are in the market for a new dishwasher, choose an ENERGY STAR^®. ENERGY STAR^® qualified dishwashers are required to use less than 22 litres of water per cycle and must consume nine per cent less energy than the minimum Government of Canada energy standard (Natural Resources Canada).

Tips to reduce water consumption when using your dishwasher:

• Do not pre-rinse before placing them in the dishwasher, instead scrape food into your green bin
• Only run the dishwasher when there is a full load
• Ensure that all dishes are angled so that the water can reach them to avoid having to rewash them

If you prefer to do dishes by hand, fill the second sink with clean water for rinsing. Letting the tap run while rinsing wastes approximately nine litres of water per minute, depending on the type of faucet you are using.

For more tips on how to reduce your water consumption in the kitchen click here to download the Water Efficiency An At-Home Guide for FREE.