The winter was again dry in our department. According to Vincent Toreau, director of the Sarthe basin, the rain deficit is 30% compared to a so-called normal year. ” If we take the period between January 10 and February 13, I was able to note that it was one of the driest for 50 years. It is true that it is very worrying“.
The episodes of winter drought accumulate while this period should normally allow the filling of the water tables. This is clearly the effect of global warming notes Vincent Toreau ” with increasingly dry winters. We see that the rivers have levels almost comparable to those of summer“For a few years, it has been raining in May, also notes Vincent Toreau, which can help the water tables to fill up.
The right things to do for the planet and the wallet
Each of us can act on our water consumption to avoid waste and reduce our bill. “With savings that can reach 1000 euros per year and per family“according to Vincent Toreau.
– take showers, rather than baths
It seems obvious but it is even more so in numbers. A bath represents the water equivalent of five to seven showers (20 and 60 liters of water consumed for a shower, between 120 and 250 liters for a bath). You can install an economical/ecological shower head that reduces your consumption and also fights against limescale. Count 20 to 70 euros on average depending on the model
– install a differentiated flush mechanism
3/6 liters depending on the needs or even 2/4 liters. The savings are significant if you have several toilets knowing that the old mechanisms used between 6 and 9 liters of water.
– install a reducer on the taps
As its name suggests, this nozzle reduces the flow of taps. On the other hand, it will be necessary to choose its speed according to the use. Count between 7 and 20 euros each.
– use a dishwasher
Yes, but on condition that you take a few precautions. First of all, don’t rinse your dishes first; wait until the appliance is full but without overloading it before starting a cleaning cycle. And of course adapt the program according to the state of the dishes.
– choose the right washing machine
Favor an economical household appliance with A+, A++ indices. It’s not marketing. These indices indicate, for example, that the machine will correctly calculate the weight of the linen to be washed and adapt the quantity of water necessary for the cycle.
– wash your vegetables in a basin
This allows you to waste less water. You can also reuse the water to water your plants
– Finally and this is the first thing, we must fight against leaks from pipes and taps.