One of our readers asked us:
Does recycling water make a difference, and what else can I do?
We asked Journalist, Johani Carolina Ponce to answer this question. Here is her response:
Definitely! Recycling water is a crucial practice that benefits both the environment and your community. By reusing water for activities such as irrigation, cleaning, or even flushing the toilet, you are contributing to the conservation of an essential resource and helping reduce your environmental impact.
Water recycling means reusing water instead of wasting it. It’s not about drinking water from the toilet, but about utilizing it at home for other purposes. For example, instead of throwing away the water used for washing fruits and vegetables, you can use it to water plants. You can also place a bucket in the shower to collect water while waiting for it to heat up and then use it for cleaning the floor or flushing the toilet. Another option is to collect rainwater, something that many families already do in various parts of Latin America. With gutters on the roof, the water is directed to a tank or barrel where it is stored and can be used for watering gardens, washing clothes, cleaning floors, or filling the toilet. To prevent it from getting dirty, leaf and debris filters can be installed.
Another type of water recycling at home is the use of gray water, which is water from the sink, shower, or washing machine. If it doesn’t contain strong chemicals, like harsh detergents or bleach, this water can be reused for certain purposes. For example, the water from the final rinse of the washing machine or from the sink after washing hands can be redirected through a homemade system to fill the toilet tank or water resistant plants.
Why recycle water?
Conservation of water resources: Reusing water reduces the demand for natural sources, helping preserve ecosystems and ensuring water for future generations. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, sustainable water management is key to addressing water scarcity.
Reduction of pollution: Wastewater goes through treatment plants where contaminants like chemicals, sediments, and microorganisms are removed through physical, chemical, and biological processes. By reusing this treated water, for example in agricultural or industrial activities, the demand for fresh water from natural ecosystems is reduced, helping preserve biodiversity and improve environmental quality.
Economic savings: Using recycled water for domestic activities, such as irrigation, can reduce your water bills. For example, capturing rainwater or reusing kitchen water for plants are simple measures that have an impact. Here are some practical tips on water recycling.
Other ways to optimize water use at home
In addition to recycling, there are many actions you can take to make more efficient use of water:
- Repair leaks. A drip per second can waste up to 3,000 liters of water per year. Check and repair any leaks in faucets, pipes, or irrigation systems.
- Dual flush toilets, water-saving showers, and faucet aerators can reduce consumption without sacrificing comfort.
- Rainwater harvesting systems are a simple and cost-effective way to use water for irrigation or cleaning. Here’s how to install a rainwater harvesting system.
- Water your plants early in the morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation. You can also use drip irrigation systems for greater efficiency.
- Washers and dishwashers with low consumption certification (like Energy Star-labeled products) consume less water and energy. Here is a list of efficient appliances.
The impact of your actions
Every effort counts. Recycling water and adopting sustainable practices not only contributes to the conservation of water resources but also creates awareness in your community, fostering a culture of sustainability. If every household were to implement these measures, the collective impact would be significant.
For more information, you can consult these sources in English and Spanish:
In addition to recycling water, there are many other ways to contribute to combating climate change from an individual and societal perspective. Changing our daily habits, such as reducing energy consumption, opting for sustainable transportation, reducing plastic use, and supporting green public policies, are key actions to mitigate this global crisis. Every small effort adds up and creates a positive impact in our community and on the planet. To explore more ideas and details, we invite you to read this article: How can we all contribute from an individual and societal perspective to reverse climate change?
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
