Saving Water – Why and How?

Why Should We Save Water?

The majority of drinking water consumed is preheated, especially for showering, bathing, and laundry. This heating consumes a lot of energy. Therefore, saving hot water also means saving energy and money.

Energy is also used to pump and treat water before it reaches our homes. Thus, a reduction in water consumption can lead to a significant decrease in emissions. The less you consume, the less you pay – which can represent real savings over several months.

Saving Water: Pros and Cons

Pros

One of the main reasons for saving water is environmental protection. Domestic use is not always linked to local scarcity, but about 70% of global consumption concerns agriculture. Nearly half of our food requires irrigation during cultivation.

That's why it's essential to save water in agriculture. Drip irrigation systems are particularly effective: water flows gently through perforated pipes, directly at the roots. This can reduce consumption by 30 to 70% while increasing yields.

Cons

The disadvantages of water saving are less visible. In sanitation systems, too low a flow can slow down wastewater evacuation, promoting the formation of sulfuric acid and damaging pipes. This sometimes requires flushing with clean water, partially negating the savings.

Practical Daily Tips

• Take a shower instead of a bath: A bathtub uses up to 200 liters of water, compared to 60 to 80 liters for a shower.
• Turn off water when washing hands: This can save up to 2 liters if you turn off the water while soaping.
• Repair leaks: A dripping tap can waste several liters per day. And it's annoying.
• Don't let water run in the kitchen: Use bowls to wash fruits and vegetables, not a continuously running tap.
• Collect cold water: While waiting for hot water, collect the cold water for watering plants or cooking.
• Use the economic flush button: The small flush button can halve consumption.
• Only run full machines: Washing machines and dishwashers should be well-filled to save water and energy.