Five Ways to Save Water at Home

Source:  www.unwater.org

This year's UN World Water Day is part of the International Year of Water Cooperation.  Based on the concept that water cooperation builds peace through socioeconomic development and environmental sustainability, this year's reflection focuses on the economic benefits created by preserving water resources.  Some of these problems seem distant and almost abstract to many of us.  But water is a finite resource and its use can deeply affect your local community. 

For example, did you know that up to 90% of wastewater in developing countries flows untreated into water basins?  This poses a serious threat to health, food security and access to drinking and bathing water.  Did you know too that the demand for energy to treat wastewater is expected to increase globally by 44% between 2006 and 2030?

Source:  liveearth.org

What can you do to reduce your water footprint?  Get informed, get involved and use water efficiently.  Check out these five steps to save water in your everyday life, as simple actions can have big impacts.  And assess you water footprint with this calculator.

1. Check taps and pipes for leaks: use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks (if there is no water running but the meter is still going round, you have a leak!)

2. Be smart saving water: use your dishwasher and washing machine full loaded, have shorter showers, don't leave the water running while you brush your teeth and use low-water flush toilets

3. Use water-saving devices: install water-saving showerheads and low-flow aerators

4. Reduce your water footprint while you eat: reduce your meat consumption.  Did you know that the production of a simple hamburger can take up to 2,400 litres of water?

5. Save water in the garden: add organic matter to increase water absorption, use efficient watering systems for shrubs, flowerbeds and lawns and water during the cooler parts of the day to avoid evaporation

Blog by Ana I. Catarino