Aware of water shortages, Europeans are nevertheless finding it difficult to adopt a more rational consumption pattern and make savings. So concludes a survey of 20,516 consumers in 12 countries carried out for German bathroom products manufacturer, Grohe.

One of the first findings of the survey concerns respondents’ estimates of their own daily water consumption. More than one in five (22%), for example, think they use less than 10 litres a day – whereas the actual average in Europe is more like 144 litres per person per day.

Yet 87% consider it important to save water. Although a majority (66%) say they are aware of water shortages in the years to come, it is the prospect of reducing financial expenditure that seems to motivate respondents the most.

Indeed, 34% want to reduce their water consumption to save money, while the desire to conserve resources for future generations (23%) or to protect the environment (23%) only come second.

However, despite showing good will “on paper”, a third of respondents admit that they have not yet taken steps to save water in their homes. The main obstacles cited are lack of information (25%) or simply lack of interest in the subject (24%).

Yet the situation is critical, particularly in France. According to data from the Centre D’Information Sur L’eau, average water consumption in France is around 150 litres per day per inhabitant, 93% of which is dedicated to hygiene. But this figure could double by 2050 if global warming intensifies and if current usage trends continue, due in particular to increased irrigation needs, according to a France Stratégie report published in January.

Recycled rainwater can be used to water your plants or garden.

Ways to save water

There are simple steps you can take to reduce your daily water consumption, such as taking shorter showers, for example. According to a number of experts, the ideal length of a shower is around five minutes.

You can also install water-saving shower heads, track down and fix water leaks, use cooking water for watering your plants or invest in low-consumption household appliances.

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you can install devices (tanks, containers, collectors) in strategic locations to recover rainwater, which can then be used to water your plants, vegetable patches and other vegetation. Plus, recycled rainwater can be used to clean outdoor spaces (floors, walls, facades), as well as outdoor furniture and vehicles. More sophisticated systems even allow you to connect your toilet or washing machine to the cistern or tank designed to collect rainwater.

If you’re really motivated, you can save water by using some more rudimentary methods, such as peeing in the shower, pouring bath water down the toilet (to flush it less often), washing your pets in the garden (to water the lawn or plants at the same time) or even showering as a couple. – AFP Relaxnews