The 3Rs of water efficiency can be accomplished by anyone at any time. For more information about how to use less water, call 392-4546 or visit Water Efficiency . Rain barrels of old have been redesigned for the health and safety of the water conscious. The use of rain barrels is increasing in popularity and several manufacturers are selling them through different means, including gardening magazines and at local garden centres. Toronto is distributing them through the Downspout Disconnection Program.
Rain barrels help control basement flooding and combined sewer overflows.
Presently, chlorine is used as a disinfectant in both water and sewage treatment in Toronto. Its use in water filtration ensures that clean water reaches us no matter where we live within the Toronto area. Its use in sewage treatment is to ensure that discharge into the lake will not harm the ecosystem. The use of alternatives in sewage treatment is currently being reviewed against several other technologies which, if fully integrated, would result in higher treatment costs. Other available technologies can be as effective as chlorine, but usually on a smaller scale.