Water Institute Director Prof. Fiona Regan featured on RTÉ’s ‘What Planet Are You On?’ series this week. Prof. Regan told viewers how Irish water users can prevent water from being wasted. As the most precious commodity in the world, we need to value water a lot more highly than we currently do. We’re struggling to meet current demands for water – and unlike many other scenarios, it’s not a case of being able to increase supply. Lowering our water use is the simplest measure we can take to ensure everyone has access the amount they need.
Some useful, tips include:
- Showering for less than 5 minutes. Showers are responsible for 30% of our home water use. For those concerned about their skin, dermatologists also suggest that shorter, cooler showers are more beneficial than hot, long showers.
- Toilets with very simple cistern modifications. Toilet cisterns can include cistern bags (or even home-made alternatives) to displace water, saving massive amounts. This trick was carried out during war-time water rationing to help households save water.
- Wash dishes in bulk. If using the tap, wash with a basin or plug in the sink. Fill up the washing machine and dishwasher before using them, as full loads save energy and water. Kitchen tap and dishwashers account for 12% of our water use at home, so washing in bulk and rinsing at the end saves many litres of water.
- Drink tap water. Most bottled water has undergone the exact same treatment processes as our tap water has, so there is little point in adding to the amount of plastic waste we produce.
To read the article on full and for more water saving tips, please click here.
Image Credit RTE Lifestyle