Bill Andresen, Water Resource Technician, Sask Water, Outlook, Saskatchewan
Fifty years ago rural residents used tanks and barrels to haul water from creeks, lakes, springs, dugouts and wells. Generally all of the water used in the home and barn was hauled unless the livestock had access to a creek or some other surface water supply. Pumping water by hand into tanks was common. About 4 gallons per day was used in the home.
Eventually windmill and then gas and electric motor driven pumps made the pumping and transport of the water by pipe to the farmyard more convenient. Rural electrification also increased water needs with the introduction of central water heaters and high water use appliances.
Today it is common for a rural household to use 50 gallons per day per person. Since the amount of drinking water required has not changed, it is evident tat the major increase is due to lifestyle changes brought about by convenience and labour saving devices. In the rural home about 40% of the water is used for toilets, 30% for personal washing, 20% for laundry and dishwashing and only 5% for cooking and drinking.
Dishwashers and automatic clothes washers can require about 25 gallons per cycle whereas a wring requires only about 15 gallons. Most of todayıs appliances and plumbing fixtures use more water than past methods, and being more convenient are used more frequently.
Industry is developing devices and appliances which can reduce overall water use by about 35%. Additional water savings in the home can be made by adjusting water use habits. For example, turning the tap off when brushing teeth could save 1.5 gallons. Other examples include using the dishwasher and clothes washer only when full, refrigerate water and wash fruit and vegetables in a partially filled sink rather than leaving the tap running.
Water is a precious resource. Developing a new well, constructing a large pond or increasing the size of the water treatment facilities can be major expenditures for a rural resident. Using water conservation techniques and adjusting water use habits are ways to overcome or delay the need for theses types of investments.
Individuals requiring information on water conservation or water planning can contact Federal and Provincial agencies or obtain literature from local libraries.