Average Canadian Household Water Use: 329 Litres (87 Gallons) Per Day

According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the average Canadian household consumes 329 litres (87 US gallons) of water per day.

Breakdown by Use (Typical)

• Toilets: 30% (~100 L)
• Showers & Baths: 25% (~80 L)
• Laundry: 20% (~65 L)
• Faucets (kitchen, bath): 15% (~50 L)
• Leaks: 10% (~33 L) — often undetected.
• Outdoor (seasonal): Highly variable—can double summer use.

Key Variables

• Household Size: Per capita use ~220 L/day; larger households = lower per capita.
• Fixtures: Low-flow toilets (4.8 L/flush), showerheads (7.6 L/min), ENERGY STAR washers cut use 30–50%.
• Metering: Metered homes use ~15–20% less than flat-rate.
• Region: Prairies (lower precip) use more outdoors; West Coast less.

Conservation Targets

• Federal/provincial goals: 200–250 L/person/day.
• Rebates for efficient fixtures, rain barrels, xeriscaping.
• Leak detection programs (smart meters).

Global Context

Canada ranks high in per capita use (2nd only to US among OECD). Abundant freshwater (20% world supply) reduces price signals—but climate change and glacial loss are shifting that calculus.