Water Use

  Status: Improving

Saskatoon benefits from an abundance of safe and high-quality water from the South Saskatchewan River. However, one-third of the City's GHG emissions result from pumping and treating water and wastewater, generating environmental and financial concerns as the city grows. Spikes in water use during summer heat waves and droughts can also straing the water system.

Measuring the per capita water consumption and total volume of water and wastewater treated are indicators to help manage the water system, reduce emissions, and adapt to climate change.

The City's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan includes the following key action within the Environmental Sustainability priority area:

• Implement innovative and efficient water conservation practices and programs for indoor and outdoor uses.

Where are we now?

Per capita residential water use is declining. This improvement means that our efforts to reduce water use are working and that we can continue to build on this success to save water, reduce emissions, increase system resilience, and keep water affordable.