With annual World Water Day, the United Nations has been drawing attention to the special and precious nature of clean water since 1993. The theme of World Water Day 2022 will be “Groundwater – Making the Invisible Visible.” Groundwater flows underground in water-bearing layers in the soil, in formations of stone, sand, and gravel. Even though we can’t see the groundwater itself, the quality of our drinking water and that of our food depends heavily on its condition.

Conscious and economical use of (ground)water is extremely important. In many areas of the world, more water is taken from basic resources than is replenished by precipitation. We also need to protect groundwater from pollution. After all, it can take decades or even centuries to recover from contaminants.

The team at E.G.O. Appliance Controls, S.L.U. in Llica de Vall, Spain, has been able to reduce water consumption by 17 % in 2021 compared to 2020 through various measures, such as reusing water in washing machine life-cycle testing and collecting condensation from air conditioning systems. A respectable achievement! BLANCO America Inc., Lumberton, USA, and BLANCO Canada Inc., Toronto, Canada, go far beyond the requirements for product conformity in terms of the flow rates of their mixer taps. In 2021, California enshrined in law that a maximum of 1.8 gallons per minute may flow through kitchen mixer taps (California Plumbing Code, previously 2.2 gallons, 1 gallon = 4.54 liters).

BLANCO is well on its way to consistently reducing the rate even further, to 1.5 gallons per minute – not just in California, but throughout North America. As a result of this strategic decision, two thirds of the tap fitting portfolio has been converted to date. This has resulted in water savings of up to 30 % with consistent quality and performance. It is important to protect water as a resource not only in companies, but also in the private sector. Small steps are a good start!

WATER-SAVING TIPS FOR YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE:

1. Use water sparingly: Only switch on your washing machine and dishwasher with a full load, don’t leave the tap or shower running longer than necessary.
2. Purchasing organic food: Pesticides and fertilizers in non-organic agriculture are the main factors in groundwater pollution.
3. Economical dosing: Only use as much washing and cleaning agent as necessary. This saves money and protects groundwater!
4. Less plastic: Use reusable packaging or sustainable materials to prevent microplastics from ending up in the water. Note: Cosmetics such as peelings or toothpaste can be mixed with microplastics, which then reach the groundwater via our wastewater.
5.Don’t dispose of medicines, paints, varnishes, etc. via your sink or toilet.

MORE ABOUT WATER AND WORLD WATER DAY:

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