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What is water?
Water is the most abundant substance on the planet and the only one found in the atmosphere in a liquid, solid and gaseous state. 97% is water that belongs to the oceans and the rest is fresh water. Fresh water is also present in aquifers and permafrost deposits, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, soil moisture, atmospheric vapor and the water contained in living beings. Although not all of it is available, much of it always remains frozen, forming the polar ice caps and ice caps.
The water cycle or "hydrological cycle" is a continuous biochemical process that goes through the different states (solid, liquid and gaseous), and allows the natural processes of the planet to take place.
Climate change is drying up rivers, putting water supply and food production at risk, we need to change our habits and be aware that water is a scarce resource.
In our day to day we carry out many actions that require the direct use and consumption of water. Currently, the average consumption of water in Catalonia, according to data from the Catalan Water Agency, is around 113 liters per inhabitant per day. This is one of the lowest figures in Europe, due to the awareness after the drought of 2007, which led to a decrease of 21% compared to the consumption at that time. The World Health Organization sets the minimum necessary limit at 100L per inhabitant per day.
Within water consumption, domestic use (what is done in the home and garden) represents 14% of total consumption. To put some figures: each person consumes between 2 and 18 liters per day
You don't control the rain, the tap does!
There are several measures collected in the reports Water saving tips for homes of the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) that we can carry out in a simple way to not waste water and be more efficient at home
- Turn off faucets when not in use
- Install flow reducing devices
- Repair small losses
- As long as the hot water does not come out, keep the cold in a container
- Swap the bath for a 5-minute shower
- Put in the toilet cistern 1 bottle full of sand
- Start the washing machine and dishwasher when they are full
- Use low consumption or “eco” programs
Every drop counts!