Domestic Water Use – Shocking Facts & Tips to Conserve Water

When we’re deep in our thoughts while in the shower, or contemplating life as we hose down our garden, we often get carried away and fail to realize how much water we’re actually wasting. Domestic water use includes all the indoor and outdoor water supply that is used by residents and unfortunately can add up quickly without us realizing it.

How We Use Water

Before we get into ways to save water, here are some ways we use it around our homes.

• Bathing
• Washing laundry
• Washing dishes
• Cleaning
• Drinking
• Watering plants and/or a full garden
• Flushing the toilet
• Washing your hands
• Brushing your teeth
• Shaving
• And so many more!

Shocking Facts About Domestic Water Use

As we go about our day-to-day routines, we don’t realize how much water is actually used, but once we get a glimpse at the list, our awareness shifts to imagine some pretty significant numbers.

Here are some shocking facts about domestic water use you probably weren’t aware of:

• Most of the potable water in the UAE (42% of the total water requirement) comes from some 70 major desalination plants
• The low-priced water supply in the UAE leads people to waste water without much concern
• The average per capita water consumption rate in the UAE is 500 L per person per day (LPD)

Source: Pattern of Water Use at the United Arab Emirates

Ways to Save Water at Home

Hot climates, easy access to water supplies, and a booming tourism sector are all to blame for the above figures. Fortunately, there are ways to help conserve water from the comfort of your own home.

Turn off the Water When You’re Not Using It

The easiest way to save water at home is often the most overlooked. Do you know how much water is wasted by letting the water run while brushing your teeth and shaving? You can save up to 8 gallons of water each day, just by turning off the faucet in between these daily tasks.

Only Wash Laundry When You Have a Full Load

It usually depends on the type of washing machine you have, but a typical cycle can use about 20 gallons of water per load, not to mention all the energy it consumes. Wait until you have a full load to wash the laundry at once, and enjoy saving time, energy, water, and the planet.

Install A Tap Aerator

Even if you’re only letting the faucet run when you use water, there’s still plenty of water that goes to waste if you have an old model. Installing tap aerators on your faucets removes the dirt from your water and slows the flow so less water is wasted. These tap aerators are easy to install and can achieve up to 98% savings.

At Pure Blue Sustainability, the leading supplier of water-saving solutions in the UAE, you can find a variety of tap nozzles, showerheads, and hoses for your home or business. Installing them can save hundreds of liters of water per day.