Water Conservation

The City of Swift Current has a Water Conservation Program that targets specific areas within the City.  This program is intended to reduce the strain on both the Water Treatment and Waste Water Treatment plants, and maintain the longevity of these facilities.

Water saving devices are being offered to city residents at a discounted rate in order to reduce water use.  For $5.00 per package, the City of Swift Current will sell to the residents the following water saving devices:

•     one adjustable toilet tank flapper
•     one low flow shower head
•     one low flow kitchen aerator
•     one bathroom sink aerator

These can be purchased in the Corporate Services Division where Utility Bills are paid.

Indoor Water Saving Tips

• Bathroom:
  • Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving; only use water when you need to rinse.
  • Reduce the time you spend in the shower, even if it is just a minute or two.
  • Turn off the shower when you are shampooing.
  • If you use the tub, bathe in only a couple of centimetres of water instead of a full tub.
  • Install a low flush or split flush toilet.
  • Install a low flow and high pressure shower head.
• Kitchen:
  • Use the dishwasher only when there is a full load.
  • Do not pre-rinse dishes; most modern dishwashers do not require this step.
  • When washing by hand, use a basin to rinse dishes instead of using running water.
  • Pour yourself a drink of cold water from a pitcher from the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
  • Wash fruits in vegetables in a partially-filled sink instead of rinsing them under running water.
  • Install a high-efficiency dishwasher.
• Laundry Room:
  • Wash clothes when there is a full load only.
  • Install a high-efficiency washing machine.

Watering Tips for Your Lawn

• Watering Frequency: frequent watering can result in a shallow root system, weed growth and disease, and a less drought- and stress-tolerant lawn.
• If your lawn is established, water it deeply, but not more than once a week and skip a week after a good rain.
• Newly seeded lawns should be watered every other day until the grass reaches 5 cm; then water less frequently.
• Soak newly laid sod with 2.5 cm of water (1 inch), then water lightly every other day for about two weeks.
• If you leave footprints when you walk on your lawn it may be time to water.
• Tuna Can Test: set a tuna can (6 oz) in each of your sprinkler zones and time how long it takes to fill it with water. That's how long you should run your sprinkler system once a week.
• Check your sprinkler system frequently to ensure proper operation and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or driveway.
• Use drip irrigation systems/hoses for trees, shrubs and garden beds and sprinkler systems that are timed to turn on and off automatically.
• Avoid watering during the heat of the day or during windy times. Choose cool and calm times of the day to water your lawn and garden to minimize evaporation.

Other Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

• Wash your car at the car wash. Washing your car at home with a hose for ten minutes uses 300 litres of water and sends soap, oil and other chemicals to the river through storm drains. At a car wash, run-off is captured and disposed of properly.
• If you must wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water and use a nozzle to stop the flow of water from the hose between rinses.
• Use a broom when cleaning your driveway or walkway. The broom works just as well and doesn't use almost 200 litres of water.
• Know where your master water shut-off valve is located in case of emergency.