The Region of Waterloo has honoured Wilfrid Laurier University for being a local water efficiency leader. The university partnered with the Region's Water Efficient Technology (WET) Program to save an estimated 59,000 litres of drinking water per day.
Regional Chair Ken Seiling presented the Water Efficiency Excellence Award to Laurier staff at Regional headquarters on September 12.
"Water conservation is an investment in our future. The retrofits Laurier made saves them money and helps us to provide a stable water supply for the future," said Regional Chair Seiling.
The university found places to install new, low-flow faucet aerators, showerheads and toilets in 22 university buildings in Waterloo and Kitchener. The changes took two years, cost $1.4 million and will save 21,572 m3 of water each year. That's enough water to supply the needs of 400 people.
The Region of Waterloo supported the project with funding from its WET Program to provide rebates and help pay for water audits.
"New technologies create exciting opportunities to improve building efficiency and save resources," said Ulrike Gross, Laurier's Associate Vice-President, Facilities and Asset Management. "There will be a financial payback, too, but investing in sustainability is a principle that the university holds dear. We made a decision to commit to sustainability."
This is the ninth year for the Region of Waterloo's Water Efficiency Excellence Award, which recognizes one impressive local project that saves water. Past awards have gone to commercial and industrial partners. Now, local institutions are showing more interest in water efficiency and the long-term cost savings it can provide.
The Region of Waterloo offers different programs to help home-owners, landlords, and businesses or institutions reduce their water use. The Region can provide money and information to help conserve the Region's valuable water supply. Water conservation helps provide safe, clean drinking water to a growing population without the need for expensive, new water infrastructure.
The Region of Waterloo's WET Program has partnered with 20 businesses and institutions so far in 2018. To learn more about the Region's water efficiency programs, see https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/conservation.
