Spain faces low rainfall, with reservoirs at minimal levels and Catalonia experiencing a critical drought. Experts outline practical recommendations for promoting sustainable and responsible water use across the region and beyond, including North America where similar challenges have sparked proactive conservation measures.
With limited precipitation, consumers are urged to adopt routines that conserve water. Simple habits can make a meaningful difference, such as turning off the tap while brushing teeth or washing the face, instead of letting water run continuously. Small changes add up when practiced daily.
In the kitchen, washing vegetables and fruits in a basin rather than under running water is advised. Reusing rinsing water to water plants or mop floors helps close the loop on household water use and reduces waste.
Collecting as much cutlery, dishes, and pots as possible before starting a wash cycle can improve the efficiency of dishwashers and help save energy and water. Similarly, a careful approach to laundry can stretch resources further in homes and small businesses alike.
Rinse water from washing machines can be redirected to a storage tank and reused for non-drinking purposes. This approach mirrors practices already adopted in water-scarce places such as parts of California and Cape Town, illustrating a global mindset toward responsible consumption.
When showering, shorter showers and turning off taps while applying soap, gel, or shampoo reduces wasted water. Every moment spent under the spray counts toward conserving a precious resource.
Reduce bath time and let hot water warm gradually when needed. If possible, use water-efficient fixtures and consider timing hot water usage to minimize waste during routine tasks.
Placing bottles of water inside the toilet cistern can lower the amount of water used per flush, a simple fix with immediate impact on overall household consumption.
reduce re-recycling
Avoid washing vehicles on driveways or roads where water can runoff. For light cleaning, damp cloths can remove dirt without excessive liquid use. When more cleaning is required, reduce the amount of water and rinse as needed to minimize waste.
At the beach, opting for towel re-use and limited rinsing can save water without sacrificing comfort or cleanliness. If a pool is present, use the shower only after leaving the facility and take care to minimize spills and evaporation.
Using a thermal blanket over stored pool water helps retain temperature and cut evaporation. In cold seasons, avoid emptying water and instead consider purification and reuse where feasible in residential or community systems.
Avoid single-handle and push-button faucets to prevent water from flowing after hands are washed, as seen in many public facilities. This small design shift can reduce water loss at the source.
Public spaces such as parks and gardens benefit from monitoring irrigation systems to avoid excess runoff. Additionally, the classic environmental principle of the three Rs—reduce, reuse, recycle—remains essential. More ideas—like repairing, renewing, regenerating, rethinking, and rejecting wasteful practices—round out a proactive approach to conserving natural resources.
In regions facing drought, combined efforts from households, businesses, and municipalities create a stronger resilience. Every saved liter translates into sustained water availability for communities, agriculture, and industry. The goal is to cultivate mindful usage that respects local ecosystems while supporting everyday needs in North America and across the globe.