Although water seems plentiful, droughts and shortages can happen anywhere and it’s helpful to know the difference between conservation and efficiency. Water conservation includes all of the policies, programs and practices designed to help people change their behaviours and use less water. The goal is to use only the water needed; for example, turning off the water when shaving or brushing teeth, or only running the dishwasher when it’s full. Water efficiency means doing more with less water; for example, washing dishes or flushing the toilet with the least amount of water necessary to get the job done. Water efficiency normally relies on well-engineered products and fixtures like reduced water use dishwashers, or low-flow toilets and showerheads.
