Rural water use and conservation in southwestern Ontario

ABSTRACT:

While Ontario appears to have an abundance of freshwater, shortages occur frequently. Little is known about the nature and extent of use of various water conservation practices in rural areas. Mail-back questionnaire responses from 291 agricultural and rural non farm property owners revealed that most practice some form of water conservation. Analysis indicated that household water saving was more commonly practiced indoors than outdoors. Non farm respondents were more likely to reduce water use through daily behavioral modifications such as shortening shower times, than to install water saving devices in the home. Agricultural respondents were more likely to reduce water waste in the home, primarily by keeping household appliances, pipes, and taps working efficiently. Livestock operators favored water equipment maintenance over all other livestock water saving measures. Irrigators were more likely to adopt a series of conservation measures, most commonly scheduling irrigation and reducing water need of agricultural crops. Statistical analysis revealed that adoption of water conservation measures in the home was best explained by program awareness and participation, level of formal education, and anticipation of future water shortages. Higher levels of livestock water conservation were associated with several factors, including greater farm gross sales and agriculture as the primary income source. Awareness programs aimed at household water conservation may prove effective in rural households, although somewhat less effective in agriculture. Financial incentives to aid in the installation of water saving equipment, along with awareness programs, may be necessary to improve water conservation within the agricultural sector.