Drought in mainland Portugal: learn how you can reduce water consumption | Savings
At the beginning of the year, thenstituto Português do Mar IPMA) and already the atmosphere of the alert (until February is very dry if very likely) that the situation in Portugal. And the truth is that on the first of the month, the entire country is in drought and there are no signs of change. THEThe low levels of water recorded in dams aggravate, this fair, the Government to apply with regard to hydroelectric production, as a result of the situation of application of drought. But there are small gestures at home that can greatly reduce water consumption.
To ensure the availability of water resources, it is essential that there is an adjustment and management of expenses. “It is not enough to save water when it no longer exists or when it starts to run out. What we have to think about is, basically, what each citizen can do to alleviate this problem”, begins by explaining to the PUBLIC, the President of Quercus’ national management, Alexandra Azevedo.
For her part, Sara Correio, from ZERO – Sustainable Terrestrial System Association, explains that “when we talk about water waste, it is almost always mentioned that it happens in domestic water use, in everyday activities”. Thus, the “solution is to put into practice a set of simple measures to reduce consumption in day-to-day activities”.
Closing while brushing your teeth or washing the dishes, taking quick showers or opting for shorter washing programs are the most popular advices. There are tips for everyone, so the list doesn’t stop here:
More seasonal foods, less meat
Agriculture is the sector that contributes the most to water consumption and the first step towards changing the food consumption habits of each person. Consume seasonal foods and locally and regionally produced it is one of the options that helps to combat consumption, “and by reducing meat consumption we are automatically reducing our dependence on water for food production”, he emphasizes.
Water reducers and toilets
Bottles, whether bricks or the most varied objects in the toilet so that less water discharge is not new. However, for those who want more elaborate solutions, a solution involves acquiring water reducers. To do so, choose to install a hot and cold water mixer.
Sustainable Agriculture
For Alexandr Azevedo, to mitigate or combat the problem of water use, there are indirect solutions that do not involve waiting for rain, water plants-defense, “water plants-defense”. One of the alternatives is to invest in measures that promote sustainable and more environmentally friendly agriculture and, at the same time, increase the soil organic matter so that less watering is required. “There is no need for watering, what we need is minimal watering. If we have adapted cultures and with greater intensity of water in the soil, even if it is visible, it will not be so intense”, he adds.
Collects the first shower water and the water used to wash vegetables and fruits
This water can be used to wash the floor, fill the toilet and water the garden. It must be collected in buckets or demijohns. The key point here is through let’s not think about the water which, even if it cannot be used for consumption, must be used in other activities.
ONEcloser to nature embroidery
Another solution is to bet on biological and genetic diversity by planting native trees instead of ornamental ones. Each person must also take into account the size of the plants, favoring the smallest ones. “If we plant larger trees, they will suffer because they will not develop as well and will be more dependent on more watering care and even with irrigation they will die in a short time”, explains Alexandra.
(More) Natural Spaces in Cities
For those who live in urban areas, green spaces or are not installed to combat water problems even the vast majority of parks, the vast majority of new parks are necessary, they are necessary and do not survive.
“To make it rain, people need to be more involved in caring for their territory”, says the Quercus spokeswoman. The process also involves collaboration with municipalities with the aim of creating more natural spaces within the cities themselves, as an increasingly alternative that, in addition to forestry, as an important alternative in terms of biodiversity, alternative levels of profit from the forest.
Using the trash can in the bathroom
The use of waste avoidances in the bathhouse and problem discharges in the wastewater treatment plants (WWTP).
Wash the car only when necessary
Using a bucket for soap and a hose for rinsing. A ten-minute hose-only wash can consume up to 200 liters.
Use as washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded
Also, use the eco program, as, on average, this program saves about 25% on electricity and about 20% on water compared to normal. When buying one of these appliances, pay attention to the energy label. Whenever possible, choose appliances that use less energy. And if the old water heater is already working at maximum”, remember that you have to spend even more excess heated water.
control consumption
“The consumption of a simple coffee involves a cat of 140 liters of water, the production of a sheet of paper requires ten liters of water and the production of one liter of bottled water involves three liters of water”, explains Zero. Therefore, all the products they consume, from textiles, technological equipment, the food they consume, among many others, “need water for their production, so if we reduce the consumption of these products, we also reduce our consumption of water”. ”.
Text edited by Ivo Neto