Water Crisis Deepens: 10 Ways Families Can Slash Waste This Summer

SUMMER’S arrival, marked by hot and sunny days, has brought a stark warning as water reserves are reported to be steadily diminishing due to reduced rainfall. With every drop counting, the public is being called upon to immediately help prevent waste at home, in schools, and in their local neighbourhoods.

Why the Concern?

Water is described as “essential” to nearly every daily activity, from drinking, cooking, washing, and cleaning homes and schools, to sustaining life and core services.

It is crucial for watering plants, feeding animals, and producing electricity. Without it, numerous essential functions would cease, including:

• Manufacturing a wide range of objects.
• Growing food in fields.
• The operation of hospitals, transport, and public spaces such as parks and gardens.

The text warns that when water becomes scarce, nature, animals, and humans suffer: plants wilt, animals may not have enough to drink, and daily life becomes significantly harder.

Simple Steps to Save Water

The article outlines several straightforward actions the public can take immediately:

At Home and School:

• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or soaping up.
• Take a quick five-minute shower (this can be turned into a timed game).
• Collect and reuse water: Rainwater or water used for rinsing vegetables can be repurposed for watering plants or filling an aquarium.
• Water plants early morning or evening to maximise absorption and reduce evaporation.
• Repair leaks immediately: A dripping tap can waste dozens of litres of water per week.
• Limit pool usage and cover the water when not in use.
• Use a bucket instead of a hose for washing items like bicycles, balls, or shoes.
• Give animals only the necessary amount of water and keep their bowls clean.

Educational Fun:

The text suggests turning water conservation into a fun and educational activity:

• Track Savings: Note the litres saved daily by turning off the tap or taking a quick shower.
• Create Awareness: Design a poster with slogans such as “Every drop counts!” or “Stop the waste!”
• Scientific Experiment: Measure the water that evaporates from a bucket left outside to observe why morning or evening watering is better for plants.

Source: l’Express