Water

Quiz: Test your knowledge about the eco-friendly consumption of drinking water

In connection with Earth Day, on April 22, 2013, the Town prepared a short quiz on home water use.

  1. How many litres of water can you save per minute by turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth?

    A) 3 litres
    B) 7 litres
    C) 12 litres
  2. How much water can a leaky toilet waste in one year?

    A) 1,000 litres
    B) 25,500 litres
    C) 100,000 litres
  3. How many litres of tap water are consumed in a year if you use it to clean the patio and patio furniture and water the flower beds?

    A) 800 litres
    B) 6,000 litres
    C) 10,500 litres
  4. Between May 1 and October 1, it is forbidden to use any type of watering to water lawns, gardens, flowers or other plants by making use of water from the water distribution system, at any time except during which periods?

    A) During the night
    B) During the day
    C) None of the above

Answers

  1. C) Up to 12 litres. The same is true when shaving. Installing an aerator on the faucet will reduce the flow by 50% with no loss of pressure.
  2. C) 100,000 litres. Enough to fill a swimming pool!
  3. B) 6,000 litres. Buying a rainwater harvesting barrel, which Town residents can purchase for $35 (taxes included), is the ideal solution for these activities. Information: 514-734-4123.
  4. C) Watering is allowed between 6:00 and 8:00 and between 18:00 and 22:00 on even-numbered calendar days for buildings with an even civic number and on odd-numbered calendar days for buildings with an odd civic number.

    However, for buildings with an automatic watering system, watering is allowed only between 3:00 and 6:00 in the morning on the same days as those mentioned above (see sections 17 to 20 of By-law No. 1419).

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Lawn watering: hours permitted

From May 1 to October 1, between 6:00 and 8:00 and between 18:00 and 22:00, manual watering on even-numbered calendar days for adresses bearing an even-numbered number, and on odd-numbered days for those with an odd civic number.

Automatic sprinkler system: from 3:00 to 6:00 on the same days, according to the street number.

Take a look at our Water Supply By-law No. 1419 for additional details.

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Check your daily water consumption

The average Quebecer consumes approximately 400 litres of water per day. The following table shows the list of multiple water use spread out on a daily basis.

Activity

Average
water consumption

Flushing the toilet

20 to 28 litres

Taking a bath

135 to 150 litres

Taking a shower

10 to 15 litres/minute

Washing clothes

120 to 160 litres/minute

Preparing meals

10 to 15 litres/minute

Using a dishwasher

50 to 100 litres

Washing the dishes by hand

25 to 40 litres

Saving water is…

  • Turning faucets off tightly so that they don’t drip.
  • Not letting the water run while brushing your teeth, doing the dishes or washing your car.
  • Shortening your shower: cutting off a minute or two can enable you to save almost 2,500 litres of water per month.
  • Reducing the volume of water in the toilet tank by using a volume reducer (a simple brick, for example).
  • Keeping a jug of water in the refrigerator instead of running the water until it gets cold.
  • Only using the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full and using the minimum amount of water required.
  • Installing flow restrictors on the faucets.
  • Cleaning the sidewalk or the alley with a broom.

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Rainwater harvesting

Want to reduce your treated water usage? The Town of Mount Royal offers you the possibility of participating in environmental action through an alternative source of water supply for your waterbeds or garden.

Thanks to the Rainwater Harvesting Program, you can purchase a recycled tank valued at $85 for only $35. This price includes delivery, which shall be done without appointment within days following receipt of payment. The tank will be left in front of your property.

Eligibility Criteria

You must:

  • Reside in or own a Town property of one of the following types: Single family housing, duplex, triplex
  • Have rainwater gutters (on the house, garage or shed)
  • Install the tank on the property in the back or on the side of the building
  • Comply with all existing Town by-laws

To obtain a recycled tank

Fill out the order form [PDF 70kB] and drop it with your payment at Town Hall (90 Roosevelt Avenue) or at the Technical Services Department (10-20 Roosevelt Avenue).

Please note that to make a card payment, you will need to go to Town Hall specifically; Technical Services accepts cash only.

For information about rainwater harvesting

E-mail us or call 514-734-4123.

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