The lack of rain in recent months – and years – has left the water reserves of Catalonia’s reservoirs at a minimum and the exceptional phase was activated. Restrictions have had to be applied to save water, such as limiting the number of litres of water per inhabitant per day, turning off fountains, irrigating with groundwater and closing showers on beaches.
Citizens have been asked to take part and act responsibly by making an effort to change their water consumption habits, a precious resource of life that must be managed with care. The rain that has fallen in recent weeks has caused the level of reservoirs to rise very slightly and restrictions have been relaxed, but we still cannot let our guard down and we must continue to do everything possible to save water at home.
Here are some practical tips.
- Take a shower instead of a bath. A shower uses significantly less water than a bath. Also, while you wait for the hot water to come out, collect the cold water in buckets. This water can be reused for scrubbing floors or flushing the toilet, thus avoiding activating the flush.
- Do not leave the tap running when brushing your teeth or washing your hands. By turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or soaping your hands, you can save up to 8 litres of water per minute.
- Turn the dishwasher on when it is at full load. Using the dishwasher only when it is full can save 20-40 litres of water compared to washing dishes by hand.
- If you have to wash dishes by hand, turn off the tap. Use a basin to rinse the dishes and use the same water throughout the process. This method can save a considerable amount of water.
- Install aerators and flow restrictors on all taps. These devices are inexpensive and easy to install. They help reduce water flow without affecting pressure, allowing significant savings in water consumption.
- Insert a full bottle of water into the cistern. Placing a one or one and a half litre bottle filled with water in the toilet cistern is a simple way to reduce the volume of water used in each flush, without affecting its operation.
- Install dual flush buttons on the toilet cistern. Dual flush toilets allow you to choose between a full flush and a partial flush, depending on the need.
- Repair water leaks. A leaky tap or toilet can waste hundreds of litres of water a day.
- Water plants during cooler hours. Watering plants at dawn or dusk reduces evaporation and allows the roots to absorb water better. Also, use drip irrigation systems.
- Collect rainwater. Installing a system to collect and store rainwater is an excellent way to reduce the use of potable water for garden irrigation and outdoor cleaning. It is an environmentally friendly and economical solution. By following these tips, you will not only contribute to the conservation of such a valuable resource as water, you will also see a significant reduction in your water bill. Acting now is crucial to tackle the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable future for all.