March 22nd has been designated as World Water Day. It’s a day where everyone is encouraged to take a moment and acknowledge the value and importance of water to their health and happiness. As well, take steps to conserve water to ensure that we are taking responsibility as global citizens to safe guard our future fresh water supplies.

Who used the most?

Concerning the Lower Mainland health care organizations, who used the most in 2013?

• Fraser Health: 1,142,291 (m3/yr)
• Vancouver Coastal Health: 1,047,677 (m3/yr)
• Provincial Health Services Authority: 396,370 (m3/yr)
• Providence Health Care: 364,995 (m3/yr)

How much do we pay?

Since 2010, despite a collective 3% increase in health care facility space across the lower mainland, these organizations have reduced their water use intensity (use / facility space) by 11%. But how much do we pay for our water?

• Fraser Health: $1,600,000
• Vancouver Coastal Health: $1,800,000
• Provincial Health Services Authority: $540,000
• Providence Health Care: $520,000

Where does most of the water go?

Here is a water use breakdown for an average acute care hospital in the lower mainland:
• 27% Toilets
• 19% Humidication and Cooling Towers
• 14% Faucets
• 13% Refrigeration
• 6% Kitchens
• 6% Showers
• 4% Estimated Leaks
• 4% Drain Pipe Priming
• 2% Sterilizers
• 5% Other

Questions for you

• What does water mean to you? In your work?
• Do you know of any ways we can save water?

Learn more

Read more about our water conservation efforts in health care here.