In California, the price of water has more than doubled in 10 years. You would keep an eye on your consumption for less! And although California is one of the best students in USA in terms of water consumption (about 40 m 3 / year compared to the European average of 55 m 3), combating waste remains a major challenge. It is all the more because reports of water scarcity regularly make the front pages. So, how do we proceed? So here are the basic 4 Ways to Reduce Outdoor Water Use in California.
- Choose a dry toilet
Flushing the toilet would account for more than a third of our total water consumption. So maybe the time has come to adopt other habits and go for a dry toilet. After all, you will no longer use water at all! And that means a saving of at least 30% on your invoice. In addition, the environment will also thank you. Contrary to popular belief, the system works very well and you do not suffer from unpleasant odors.
An alternative for those who have a traditional toilet without double flush (small / large)? Place a full bottle of water in the toilet reservoir. In this way, the filling volume remains limited. And you save 1.5 liters with every rinse.
- Take a shower instead of a bath
A third of our water consumption comes from showers and baths. Although everyone knows that you consume less by taking a shower instead of a bath, there is a catch. If you stand in the shower for 10 minutes, you will use 150 liters of water, which is the same as for a bath.The solution? Install an economical shower head, which lowers the water flow rate from 15 to 6 liters per minute.
You can also save on the sink. For example, remember to turn off the tap when you brush your teeth. You save no less than 5 to 8 liters with each brushing! The same goes for you gentlemen, while shaving. Take our test to find out where your water consumption is located at home.
- Reuse water and invest in a cistern
Wash them in a tub and use the water afterwards to water your plants.For example, do that while you clean your vegetables.
Another tip: while you wait for hot water to drain from the tap, you can collect the cold water that flows out first. For your water jug, your plants or any other use.
Don’t have a cistern? Then have one installed. After all, rainwater can account for almost 60% of the consumption in your home. There are cisterns in concrete or plastic. Minimum volume should be 1500 liters. Maximum permissible volume: 10,000 liters (even if models up to 20,000 liters exist). The cisterns in concrete must be buried. This is not compulsory for rain troughs in synthetic materials. However, they are all equipped with a pump system and a filter. You’ve already figured it out: a large bucket in particular excavation works – may be required for a cistern. To be sure, have the system checked before you put it into operation. Under certain conditions, this is even mandatory in Flanders. For example, any contact between the water supply network and the rainwater network is prohibited to avoid contamination of the public network.
- Wash your car witha bucket
Forget the pressure washer or the garden hose to wash your car. Rather use a bucket. With the water syringe you consume at least 200 liters. With a bucket that is 10 liters.