Saving Water: Simple Steps to Reduce Consumption and Bills

According to statistics, an average Latvian resident consumes about 19 cubic meters of water per year. Although the total amount of water on Earth is relatively stable, humans need clean freshwater, which is a limited resource. Most water is salty ocean water, and a large portion of freshwater is frozen in glaciers or located deep underground. Only a small fraction is readily available for drinking, cooking, hygiene, agriculture, and industry.

Water scarcity can result from pollution, distance, drought, or high treatment costs. The more water is wasted, the more resources are needed for its treatment and supply. Higher consumption also leads to more wastewater that must be treated to prevent contamination of rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Additionally, hot water use involves energy consumption, so saving water often reduces both bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

The European Environment Agency reported that in 2023, water scarcity conditions affected at least 28% of EU territory in at least one season, and due to climate change, droughts may become more frequent and intense. Latvia's climate adaptation plan also notes that heat and drought periods will become more common, potentially lowering surface and groundwater levels.

Reducing water consumption does not require major investments. In Europe, a standard tap uses an average of 5.7 liters per minute. Simple changes in daily routines, such as limiting water flow, can effectively save water without sacrificing comfort.