“The treatment process is lengthy and complex, with up to seven stages that can take up to three days to make raw water suitable to drink. – Irish Water is helping to conserve water by fixing leaks, but conservation by homes and businesses is key. “
But how can you actively start conserving drinking water?
Tips for conserving drinking water.
Six litres of water a minute can be saved by turning off the tap when brushing your teeth; showering uses half the amount of water of a bath; keeping a jug of water in the fridge instead of running the cold tap can save up to 10 litres of water.
Conserving drinking water is not only environmentally responsible but can also lead to significant savings. Here are some additional tips for conserving drinking water:
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Fix Leaks: Repair any leaks in your plumbing promptly. A dripping faucet or a running toilet can waste a substantial amount of water over time.
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Collect Rainwater: Install rain barrels or collection systems to capture rainwater for outdoor use, like watering plants and gardens.
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Choose Water-Efficient Appliances: When it’s time to replace appliances like washing machines or dishwashers, opt for models with high water-efficiency ratings.
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Upgrade Toilets: Consider replacing older toilets with low-flow or dual-flush models, which use significantly less water with each flush.
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Insulate Pipes: Insulate hot water pipes to reduce the time it takes for hot water to reach the faucet, which can reduce water waste.
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Only Run Full Loads: Whether it’s the dishwasher or the washing machine, make sure to run these appliances only when you have full loads to maximise water efficiency.
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Sweep, Don’t Hose: Instead of using a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks, use a broom to sweep away debris.
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Collect Shower Water: While waiting for your shower water to heat up, collect the cold water in a bucket and use it for watering plants or flushing toilets.
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Mulch Gardens: Applying mulch to your garden beds can help retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
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Educate Yourself: Learn about your local water restrictions and guidelines. Being informed about water conservation efforts in your area can help you make more sustainable choices.
By adopting these practices, you can contribute to water conservation efforts and reduce your water bills while also helping to protect this precious resource for future generations.
Why is conserving drinking water so important?
Head of Asset Management, Seán Laffey, stated: “In 2018, bad storms followed by the prolonged drought showed people that safe, clean, treated water is not in unlimited supply and that we all have to play a part in conserving it.”
“However, when the urgency of a drought passes, it is easy to lose focus on how precious water is. This is even though the financial and environmental impact of treating and providing drinking water does not decrease as rainfall increases“
Irish Water is currently tackling the national leakage rate of 43%. They are working with local authority partners, fixing over 1,500 leaks each month – On track to saving 166 million litres of water daily by 2021.
Conserving Drinking Water: Quick Notes 📝
- Everyone needs to conserve water, regardless of the amount of rainfall in their area.
- Water is a finite resource, and it is important to use it wisely and efficiently.
- There are many ways that individuals can conserve water in their daily lives, including fixing leaks, using drought-resistant plants in landscaping, taking shorter showers, and using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- By making small changes in our daily habits, we can all play a role in conserving this important resource.
👉 Check out the Water Conservation page on the Official Irish Water website to learn more about the steps you can take to conserve water.
👉 Check out our drinking water testing services if you’re concerned about the quality of your drinking water.
