Wasting water is harmful to the environment and unnecessary. To protect the environment and save money in the long run, everyone can do something with simple means and small changes in habit.

 

You can save water in two ways: through modern appliances and through your own behaviour. A complete water saving plan consists of both categories, but every step towards saving water is a step in the right direction.

 

Save water with the right household appliances

 

Dripping taps and leaking sinks should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Often it is just a rubber seal that has become brittle and costs little.

Older toilet flushes are usually less economical and use up to 10 litres more water for each flush. If you replace such an outdated system with a modern, water-saving one, you will quickly recoup the money spent on the new cistern through the water saved.

If you do not want to replace your old cistern straight away, you can also fill one or two one-litre bottles with water and place them in the cistern. The bottles ensure that the water tank reaches its water volume faster, although less water is refilled.

 

Shower heads and taps should be equipped with a fan. If a shower head can fill a 5-litre bucket in less than 20 seconds, it should be replaced with one that allows less water pressure, so that less water flows out per second.

Water heaters should be placed as close as possible to where the hot water is needed, so that less water is wasted during heating.

When watering gardens, sprinkler systems are recommended, where the water comes directly to the plants and less water is lost through wind and evaporation in the air.

 

Saving water through adapted habits

 

The tap can be turned off while brushing your teeth. This also applies to shaving or other activities where the water is only used from time to time. Turning off the water while brushing your teeth can save up to 25 litres of water per day.

Showering usually uses less water than a full bath. On average, a 5-minute shower uses between 40 and 100 litres of water, while a full bath requires over 200 litres.

 

The washing machine and dishwasher should be well filled when they are switched on. Alternatively, water consumption should be adjusted for smaller loads. When washing dishes by hand, one should wash in a filled dishwasher bowl and not wash the dishes under running water.

 

The garden should be watered in the morning or evening. When watering during the heat of the day, a lot of water is lost through evaporation. Water used elsewhere can also be used for the garden, for example the water used to wash the car, provided there is no soap in it.