A conscious use of water as a resource is not only good for the environment, but is also easy on the wallet. Both are especially important in summer, where consumption usually increases.
If you watch the news, you can hardly avoid the floods, forest fires or droughts in various regions. And while some of these catastrophes happen far from the German border, the situation in this country is anything but rosy. According to ZDF, Jay Famiglietti of the Canadian Global Institute for Water Security says quite clearly: "Satellite data show that Germany has lost water to the extent of Lake Constance in 20 years. That's an unimaginable amount of water."
According to Ökotest, "Germans consume 123 litres of water a day. That's already a step forward – almost 30 years ago, consumption was still around 147 litres of water." Nevertheless, it is important, especially in summer, to make sure to save water. A few clever tricks around the house and garden will help.
Reducing water consumption: tips for the household
Saving water is a must not only because of rising prices – but also because of the environment. (Symbolic image) © Madhourse/Imago
Saving water: There are a few special valves or systems for use in the household:
- Angle valve: is installed under the washbasin. Reduced from twelve litres of flow per minute to eight litres with a two-handle faucet. Savings: four litres
- Bead emitters/aerators: Throttles the amount of water and mixes air into the water at the same time. Divided into small drops, the jet feels soft and thick. Not suitable for non-pressurized fittings.
- Flow restrictor: Reduces water flow by 40 to 50 percent. It can also be retrofitted to older faucet models and is also available for the shower head.
- Faucet with thermostat: Almost six litres are wasted when showering – just in search of the correct temperature. The thermostat saves this – and the showering fun can start faster.
- Stop function at the toilet: Depending on the "business", you should choose the right amount of water when flushing the toilet. For faeces you need up to six liters (cistern contents), only for urine less water. This is where the stop buttons, which are installed on numerous toilets, come to the rescue. Older cisterns can often be retrofitted.
By the way: A brick or bottles filled with water in the cistern also save water, but are not as flexible as a stop button. This can take revenge if the big business just doesn't want to disappear – because of a lack of water and power.
You can find everything you need to know about household and gardening tips in the living newsletter from our partner Merkur.de.
Reducing water consumption: tips for the garden
In the garden, you can also save water here and there - even in summer.
0
Also Read
Should you cut off peonies after flowering or not?
READ
Clogged drain in the shower? Quick tips and effective home remedies solve the problem
READ
Clogged drain? Plumber gives tips on how to drain water quickly
READ
Mowing the lawn at eight o'clock in the morning – Is that allowed?
READ
Remove cat urine: home remedies effectively help against the stubborn stench - and save money
READMone area
- Rainwater: If you can, you should collect rainwater, e.g. in a bin. This allows plants to be watered wonderfully (and inexpensively).
- Timing: It is best to water in the early or late hours of the day. Then the water will not evaporate so quickly and the plants will be able to absorb it better.
- Mulch: A layer of mulch over the soil ensures that it does not dry out so quickly - and you do not have to water again so quickly.
- Plant selection: Plants from Mediterranean, dry regions can cope well with sun and drought. They do not need to be watered as frequently as more delicate specimens. Additional tip: Remove dead parts regularly.
- Rare mowing: If you let the grass grow longer, you will benefit from better moisture retention in the soil.