Saving water is important
09.11.2022
2022 was a very warm year and there was too little rain. Some people say: there have always been hot summers. That's true. But what's important is the average temperature and how many hot days there are in total over many years.
Many people don't know the difference between weather and climate. Weather means: it is raining, there is a strong wind, it is cold or warm. It applies to a specific point in time: for example, yesterday, today or next week. Climate means the weather in a certain area and over a long period of time. For example, over the last 30 years.
All the data says that it is getting warmer and warmer in Germany and all over the world. This is called climate change. One reason is exhaust fumes from households, industry, airplanes and cars.
People need a lot of groundwater for drinking, industry and agriculture. The last few years have been hot and there has been little rain. That is why there is less groundwater.
Groundwater is the water under the ground. It mostly comes from rainwater or from snow that melts. It then collects deep in the ground.
In Offenbach, drinking water comes almost exclusively from groundwater. There were a few days of rain in September, but that wasn't enough. Because there is less groundwater, the city of Offenbach is asking all citizens to save water.
A person needs about 125 liters of water a day. That's as much as a full bathtub. Almost 80 liters are needed for bathing, showering and flushing the toilet. So you can save a lot of water here.
Some tips for saving water
- Showering instead of bathing. Important: do not shower for too long. You can also buy special shower heads. Then less water flows. An example: 12 liters of water per minute flow through the tap and you shower for 12 minutes: You use 144 liters of water. You only shower for 8 minutes: You use 96 liters.
- Turn off the water when you soap up or shave.
- If a tap drips, it should be repaired quickly. Otherwise a lot of water will be lost.
- Washing dishes: It is better to use a dishwasher than to wash dishes by hand. The dishwasher should always be full. Washing clothes: The washing machine should also always be completely full of clothes.
- Place a bowl in the wash basin: Collect the water when you wash fruit or vegetables. You can use it to water the flowers. Boil eggs or potatoes: Simply use the cold water to water the plants later.
- Germans wash their cars around 900 million times a year. That's a lot. It is often enough just to clean the windows and lights.
More information at: www.offenbach.de/energiesparen
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