USEFUL | ORIENT. While experts at discuss the global water shortage major international forums, we can start addressing this issue right in our own homes. Especially in an era of widespread water meters, every liter saved translates into real money in the family budget.

The Magic of the Aerator

A small faucet attachment that mixes water with air costs very little but reduces water consumption by 30–50%. The water stream feels just as strong, but the meter spins twice as slowly.

Fixing “Invisible” Leaks

A leaking toilet tank can send up to 200 liters of water per day straight into the sewer. That’s 6 cubic meters per month going “nowhere.” Checking is easy: add a drop of food coloring to the tank. If the water in the bowl changes color after 15 minutes, it’s time to replace the gasket.

Kitchen Tricks

Washing dishes under running water is the most wasteful method. If you soap all the dishes first and then rinse them quickly (or use a sink with a stopper), water consumption drops 3–5 times. Steaming vegetables instead of boiling saves about 500 ml of water per pot. You not only conserve water but also retain more vitamins in your food (during boiling, many nutrients simply leach into the water).

Life hack: Once the water used for boiling or blanching vegetables has cooled, don’t pour it down the drain — it makes an excellent “vitamin boost” for your houseplants.

Shower Time

Reducing your shower time by just 2 minutes saves up to 20 liters of water per session. For a family of four, that’s almost 2.5 tons of water per month.

Standing under hot water for too long (more than 10 minutes) actually dries out the skin by washing away its natural protective layer. A short, refreshing 5–7 minute shower is much healthier for blood vessels and skin tone.

Laundry: The Full-Load Rule

An average washing machine uses about 112 liters of water per week. Run it only with a full load. Two half-load washes consume 10–15 liters more water in total — and significantly more electricity — than one full cycle.

How to check: If your hand (edgewise) fits between the clothes and the top of the drum, the load is optimal. If there’s more space, it’s better to wait and accumulate enough laundry for a full cycle.

Modern Appliances: An Investment in the Future

When choosing a washing machine or dishwasher, pay attention to energy efficiency and water consumption ratings. Modern models use twice as little water per cycle as appliances from a decade ago.

Responsible water use isn’t about restrictions — it’s about culture and awareness. Saving water today means investing in its affordability and availability tomorrow.