What can we do from our homes to conserve water, one of our most valuable and indispensable natural resources for life.
At Environmental News we share 10 practical tips to conserve water this summer.
Water is a limited natural resource and essential for life on Earth, as well as for the balance of ecosystems.
Although, according to the UN, about 70% of the planet’s surface is covered by water, less than 3% is fresh, and of that amount, only a minimal fraction is available for human consumption.
Conserving water, its importance transcends the biological
Without water, ecosystems would collapse, affecting people, animals, and plants. Moreover, this resource plays a fundamental role in economic development, as sectors such as agriculture, industry, energy, and tourism depend directly on its availability.
Therefore, a sustainable management of water not only guarantees life but also the welfare, employment, and progress of societies.
Some facts to consider:
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An open tap pours between 6 and 7 liters of water per minute.
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A dripping tap wastes 12,000 liters of water annually.
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A toilet tank can waste between 34,000 and 80,000 liters per year.
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Concrete pools have a capacity of between 50,000 and 70,000 liters of water.
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Canvas pools contain between 5,000 and 10,000 liters of water.
Given this situation, we should ask ourselves the following question: what can we do from our homes to conserve water, one of our most valuable natural resources?
We share 10 practical tips to conserve water this summer:
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Educate and share with family: Promoting water conservation at home multiplies the positive impact in the home and the community.
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Turn off the tap when not in use: When brushing teeth or washing dishes, avoid letting the water run unnecessarily.
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Take short showers: Instead of filling the bathtub, a quick shower can save up to 100 liters of water each time we bathe.
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Water plants early in the morning or in the evening: This reduces water evaporation, allowing it to seep into the soil without evaporating and making better use of each drop used.
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Reuse water: Whenever possible, give water a new use. For example, water used to wash fruits or vegetables can later be used to water plants.
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Wash the car with a bucket and cloth, avoiding the use of a hose: This can save hundreds of liters per wash.
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Check for leaks in taps, hoses, and pipes: A small leak can waste dozens of liters a day.
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Regulate the use of washing machines and dishwashers: Start cycles only with a full load to make better use of water, soap, and also save energy.
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Take advantage of rainwater: For example, it can be collected to clean floors, wash the car, and water the garden.
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Take care of pool water: Use chlorine and pH regulators to reduce consumption and avoid systematic water changes.
