7 Advice for saving water at home

From the most classic advice, such as taking showers in 5 minutes or putting the dishwasher always full, to other more sophisticated methods such as putting flow reducers, there are many ways to make efficient use of water and save money.

Efficient use of water is no longer an option and has become a must-have. On March 22, the commemoration of World Water Day recalls every year the importance of this essential liquid, while aiming to raise awareness of the global water crisis and, as recognized by the United Nations: "Seek measures to address it in a way that we will achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water and sanitation for everyone by 2030."

What actions can we take to expand access to clean water and sanitation?

Is it possible to reduce water consumption without the need for major interventions? What are the keys to saving water at home? The answer to these and other similar questions has to do with the individual commitment of each. Leaving aside the effects of climate change, the will is power and there are many tips to save water at home that will help minimize your consumption easily through small gestures.

1. Take care of the facilities

Proper maintenance is crucial for efficient use of water at home. A leaking faucet, a toilet that doesn't work well, or a pipe with a small leak are just a few examples of malfunctions that, however insignificant they seem, involve invisible consumption that can insate considerably if not previously resolved.

That's why it's important to review the facilities from time to time. Once some type of deterioration is verified or damage is detected, it is important to intervene as soon as possible to avoid further evil.

2. Allies for efficient use of water

Making the most of your facilities and pipes goes beyond checking for water leaks. In addition to preventing or repairing possible malfunctions, you can incorporate devices that contribute to your efficiency.

For example, there are already mechanisms that mix air with water, generating the sensation of plenty of water in the jet. However, its use reduces water consumption, as well as flow switches or flow reducers for taps.

3. Opt for the shower and not the soaking bath

This gesture, which, a priori, may seem unimportant, translates  into considerable savings. In fact, experts calculate that every minute of bathing consumes between 8 and 15 liters of water, so just do the math to check the effectiveness of the habit change.

However, you can also reduce water consumption when bathing by soaping with the tap closed or by placing flow limiters that save up to 50% of water.

4. Dishwashers always full

Do you wash dishes by hand or use the dishwasher? The debate does not allow discussion and provided it is used properly, the second option is one of the most popular ways to save water at home. For its use to be really efficient, remember: the dishwasher must always be full and, if possible, always look for energy-efficient appliances.

5. Put a bucket for paper in the bathroom

It won't improve water quality, but it sure will be able to reduce costs, something as simple as putting a trash can in the toilet will help leave the toilet as a garbage dump. This prevents constant and useless discharges that avoid unnecessary waste of water.

6. Reuse and optimize water

You won't be the first or the last to let the water run while you wait until you have the ideal temperature. However, this is one of the scenarios in which a small gesture can help reduce water consumption.

Simply place a container and take advantage of these liters for other tasks: from washing the vegetables, watering, soaking the vegetables for the next day or using to clean.

We also recall the need to keep the taps closed when not using water or, in other words, not leave the tap open while shaving or brushing your teeth for example.

7. How to save water in the garden

Including plants as part of the home décor is almost therapeutic, but your care also implies a water consumption that can contain or even reduce. As we said a few lines ago when talking about sustainable development goals, betting on indigenous plants that don't need irrigation or installing drip irrigation systems, for example, are two ways to save on the water bill at home.