Water Audit 

PEI is dependent on groundwater for its freshwater needs. Because of this, our water use puts a strain on groundwater resources. With water meters now in nearly every home, we are working with the Town of Stratford to encourage changes in water use habits to reduce consumption. Reducing the amount of water being drawn out of the watershed ensures a clean and abundant source of water in the future. With funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Eco Action Community Fund, SAWIG is happy to be partnering with the Town of Stratford to launch the Water Audit Program. The Water Audit Program aims to improve the quantity and quality of local groundwater by reducing overall residential water use and preventing harmful substances (sediments) from entering waterways.

What is a Water Audit?

Water audits tailored to individual households will provide an opportunity for residents to learn about how they can use less water. Residential homeowners in Stratford with water meters can have a free water audit of their home. The water audit will determine how much water is being used in the home by looking at fixtures, such as shower heads and faucets, and household habits. Residents will also learn how to read their water meter and check for leaks. At the end of the audit households will receive a water score that rates their water usage.  Based on the results of the water audit and water score a number of recommendations may be given to homeowners about ways they can reduce water usage such as:

Change water use habits (shorter showers, turn the tap off when brushing teeth, etc.)

Fix leaking faucets

Replace fixtures with low-flow models

Install faucet aerators to reduce flow

Fix leaking toilets

Replace dishwasher with an Energy Star model

Replace clothes washer with a more water efficient model

Water Audit Process

Homeowners must be present during the water audit which will take approximately one hour to complete. To conduct the audit we will need access to your water meter and all faucets, showerheads, and toilets. During the audit we will:


Look at your water meter to determine your average daily usage

Teach you how to read your water meter and check for leaks

Check all toilets for leaks

Measure the flow volume of all fixtures in the house (showerheads and faucets)

Ask questions about your household water use habits

Share results, water score, and make recommendations for reducing consumption

Benefits of Water Audits

Information collected from water audits can provide valuable insight about Stratford Area residential water usage such as:

The total & average daily consumption (lites/day) of all audited homes

The total & average leakage rate of all homes audited

The average water score of homes audited

The average water use (litres/day) of a household size (1 person – 7 people)

These results can be used to inform future conservation initiatives and management of freshwater in the Stratford Area. Common areas of high water use and types of leaks may be observed allowing for targeted programs aimed at reducing water use such as the previous showerhead exchange program and toilet rebate program.

This project was primarily funded by the EcoAction Community Funding Program by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Other funding partners include the Town of Stratford and Province of PEI.