Alberta WaterPortal
My everyday water decisions
In a typical day, how often do you think about water? From showering to eating lunch, getting around town, and even investing money, nearly everything we do on a daily basis impacts the water around us and around the globe. The My Everyday Water Decisions Quiz explores the relationship between water and our everyday lives.
Do you have a low flow toilet? If you don't know or are unsure, select "No"


When you shower, do you…?
Did you know?

Taking baths can consume even more water than a 15 minute shower. A typical bath tub takes 151 liters to fill.
In an average week, how often do you consume bottled water (assume 500mL bottles)?
Did you know?

All plastics, including containers, packaging, and bags, require water to produce. Consider using reusable bags and containers instead of plastic bags and saran wrap to save even more water.
Do you have a rain barrel, bioswale, rain garden, or any other Low Impact Development (LID) on your property?


Please identify how you would typically irrigate your lawn or garden, assuming there was no rain that week.






In an average week, how many times do you eat a serving of meat?
Did you know?

Not all meats are created equal - a serving of beef requires almost three times as much water as a serving of pork, and almost four times as much as a serving of chicken. Consider substituting alternatives (including non-meat based) in place of beef to save more water.
Imagine you recently inherited $10,000, with a condition that you must invest it in one of these four organizations. In which organization would you invest your money?
Did you know?

Not all organizations place the same value on water stewardship - consider reviewing an organization's environmental policies before investing or participating with them. Better yet - get in touch with someone there to let them know water is important to you and it should be important to them.

Organization A - A company that offers a return on investment of 20% per year. This company reports on their water consumption and environmental performance in annual reports. You recognize this company's name from news stories where they have helped the environment.

Organization B - A company that offers a return on investment of 35% per year. This company says on their website that they support environmental stewardship, but you can't easily find information about their performance. 

Organization C - A company that offers a return on investment of 50% per year. This company's core business requires consuming large volumes of water and has put strain on local communities in some cases, although it has a global sustainability plan.

Organization D - A charitable watershed organization (i.e. making a donation).
How often do you (or your landlord/the homeowners) check your household plumbing (toilets, faucets, piping) for leaks?
"Did you know?

Household leaks can come from a variety of sources. Be sure to check your faucets (including bathtubs/showers), water heater, and toilets, and consider hiring a professional to check buried and hidden plumbing."
How do you wash your dishes?




What are your driving habits?
Did you know?

Not only does driving consume water through the use of gasoline, but vehicles can also have a local water quality impact as well, thanks to grease and oils which get left behind on the roads and washed into our sewer systems. Using alternative transportation methods can help protect both water quality and quantity.
How do you typically dispose of common household wastes?

Typical household waste can include old medicine (e.g. off the shelf, prescriptions), floss, and sanitary products (e.g. tampons, wet wipes, napkins)
How do you typically wash your car?