How to save water: 7 ideas to reduce your consumption

1. Always fill your washing machine and dishwasher

Although it may seem like the opposite, running your washing machine and dishwasher full can help you save a significant amount of water. These appliances use a controlled amount of water to clean clothes and dishes. If you wash them by hand in the sink, you're likely to waste a lot more water.

If you have to wash something by hand, like a pot or pan, let it soak in a little water before scrubbing. This will loosen the dirt and use less water in the process.

2. Keep the faucet turned off

It may seem like an obvious recommendation, but it's easy to forget to turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or hands. Unnecessarily running water is a huge waste of this precious resource. Also, opting for a shower instead of a bath in the tub is another great way to reduce water usage. Remember to also turn off the water while you soap up.

3. Don't use the toilet as a waste bin

Placing a waste bin in the bathroom will prevent you from flushing unnecessary things like papers or wipes down the toilet. This will reduce the frequency with which you have to flush the toilet. Every time you do this, you use between 6 and 12 litres of water, so reducing this unnecessary use can make a big difference.

4. Save water in the garden

The garden is one place where you can also apply good water-saving habits. Avoid watering during the hottest hours of the day, such as midday in summer. It's best to do it in the evening or early in the morning to prevent the water from evaporating quickly.

For smaller areas, hand watering is preferable to using hoses or sprinklers, which tend to waste more water. Also, when choosing plants for your garden, make sure to choose species that adapt well to the climate and do not require excessive watering.

5. Reuse water

We often let the water run while we wait for it to get hot or cold. That water can be reused for other household tasks, such as watering plants or washing fruits and vegetables. This simple action will allow you to make better use of the water and avoid wasting it.

6. Watch for leaks

Water leaks are one of the biggest waste factors. Regularly check the pipes in your home to make sure there are no leaks. A constant drip, even if it seems insignificant, can add up to a big loss of water over time.

In the case of swimming pools, it is also advisable to check the water level and verify that it has not dropped significantly after 24 hours, which could indicate a leak.

7. Use bottles in the cistern

If your cistern does not have a dual-flush system, you can reduce water consumption by placing full plastic bottles inside the cistern. This will take up space and reduce the amount of water used in each flush, without you having to make any additional effort.

By applying these simple tricks to save water, you will be contributing to taking care of the planet and helping to mitigate the impact of climate change. Small actions like these can make a big difference if we adopt them consistently. The environment will thank you!