Next Generation Irresistible Water Savings Tips

Really what should I do next? The Banner on April 5th, 2011 informed me and probably rest of the Aurora world of wonderful water rate hike. I was pleased with town working on bringing the tax rate down, but I am not pleased with the water hike. If this is true that ‘The potential 9.95 per-cent combined hike in water and wastewater rates will cost the average family, which uses about 400 cubic meter per year, an extra $92.59 annually.’; then no wonder we are happy with the tax rate of 4.35 percent where ‘For an average Aurora property assessed at $300,000, this will mean a $0.13 daily increase in taxes, a monthly hike of $3.93, and an annual tax impact of $47.19.’ – as reported by The Auroran (Week of March 29, 2011 Vol 11. No. 22). Next time town pulls a trick like that on me, I would appreciate the bad news before good news; otherwise the health care in Canada will suffer.

I would like to extend my thanks and no thanks to The Banner for a wonderful set of water saving tips. Obviously tremendous effort was put into the list, but sorry I am already applying them all and running very lean. My mind is already working on next generation set of water saving tips. The next generation sounds sophisticated, but to your surprise you will be back to basics with my assembled water savings ideas for now.

1] Collect the rain water. Really, you can water inside and outside plants, water grass, wash cars, and if you wish fill up small swimming pool and take relaxing bath (applies to summer only). When you decided to take a bath, ensure to do body water sprinkle test. If you experience irritation, do not attempt to do this step. Do not attempt to drink this water as it does not fall under requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, enacted after the 2000 Walkerton tragedy.

2] Carry plastic container with you (not that one!). When at work, fitness centre, public place or Tim Hortons after you are ready to go home just fill up some extra water. The costs are usually passed on the consumers, so why not – pass them back.

3] If you like to work-out at the fitness centre, in addition to the above, leave clean. That is, use their showers, come home clean. Just think on the end, it does not matter, time is time, now or later it is the same time different location. Then, if for some reason you don’t shower after working out – don’t tell, nobody needs to know.

4] When nature calls you, go out to nature and visit Jerry on the job. The portable toilet systems can be found around the town and out of town. Don’t worry Jerry usually isn’t on the job anyway. Word of advice – you may want to bring your own toilet paper, just in case. Remember though that when entering construction site, it is solely on your own risk. Don’t use ‘crackberry’, read newspaper or listen to your iPod – you are not alone; listen to the sounds around you. I said sounds around you, and not your own sounds!


5] If you have children and they like to play in the water, find other neighbour and ask if your children can come and play in their pool. Leave a penny in the water afterwards, to appreciate their service. Pennies will be obsolete soon or later, so here is a way to use them up.

6] Remember the more you plaster yourself with make-up, deodorant, hair sprays and perfumes, the more shower taking you may have to do. I can guarantee that if you eliminate all above, you will stay fresh and clean for days. Not to mention, savings on the above items in addition to water savings. Note, if you don’t feel fresh, let the rain and wind freshen you out. Oh and start using the designated water cup when you brush your teeth – its there for a reason and not show or hold your toothbrushes.

7] You drank too much, got another nature call. Try European style or doggy style, you know what I mean. Please be discrete though, I already blush when people romantically kiss in public. Oh, ladies this may not be for you, too much crap going on in the bushes.

8] For those who own swimming pool let the rain fill it up for you. Unfortunately, you may be waiting a long time if you have big one. You can always ask your neighbour for extra rain water. Note the rain water may be polluted, but then chlorine water is not any better for you.

9] Kill two or three birds with one stone. If you are family of three or four people, then line up to use washroom and flush the toilet once or twice only. Guarantee you will cut the water use in half, but I don’t guarantee decrease in the stink factor.

10] Reduce and reuse your clothes. Instead of washing clothes frequently, just hang them outside to freshen them up. Your neighbour will think you are super clean.

11] Another way to reduce your laundry. Wash going to bed instead of out of bed. Your bed sheets will stay clean longer. On the side note, I still don’t get the shower in the morning thing. Why would you go sleep dirty?

12] Drink less, oh what the heck eat less. The less you drink or eat, less water consumption by in or out.

13] Reduce and reuse your shower water. This requires some plumbing work by connecting drain pipe from upstairs shower to downstairs shower. Depending how sophisticated you want the design to be, the simple way is to have two people take shower at the same time, one upstairs and second downstairs having shower from the rinse water of the first person. I think you know what I mean. This retrofit is not required if you have a mate.

14] I could go on and on, but then I found that we don’t have meter for water out. How stupid is that? Why should I pay for the same volume consumed versus drained? Theoretically the household will not drain the same water it consumes. Think, you drink at home and go washroom at work, you water plants so they grow, you water garden outside, you wash a car. It all goes to the ground, and why should I pay for someone who flashes toilet more than me. Oh, I get it – we all get billed equally. There goes my idea of watering grass with shower water.

This post was written not to offend anyone. This is how I handle stress when comes to rising prices. After all what choice do I have? Only left with one – to pay the bill.