The article offers a comprehensive guide to reducing daily water consumption, starting with an analysis of the Italian situation, which shows high consumption compared to the European average. DKR, with more than 40 years of experience in the water dispenser sector, shares practical strategies for each environment: from the kitchen (reuse of washing water, efficient use of the dishwasher) to the bathroom (prefer short showers, install flow reducers), from the garden (drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting) to the office (automatic sensors, mains-connected water dispensers). The article emphasises the importance of preventive maintenance and innovative technologies such as aerators and smart meters, concluding with the announcement of DKR's participation in important trade fairs such as HOST and ANCI, where they will present sustainable solutions for the on-trade and the 'Acqua del Sindaco' project for Italian municipalities.
Reducing the water consumption has become crucial in an age when this precious resource is often wasted without realising it. We of DKRwith over 40 years of experience in water dispensers for offices, educational institutions and the Horeca sector, we have closely observed the evolution of water consumption and realised how crucial it is to adopt responsible behaviour. In this article, we share practical tips and effective strategies for reducing water consumption in daily life, contributing both to the environment and to lowering bills.
Before going into practical details, it is important to understand the context. Italy presents high water consumption compared to the European average, with significant losses in the national water supply networks highlighting the urgency of more conscious behaviour. In our years of activity, we have seen how small changes in daily habits can generate significant savings: an average office can substantially reduce their water consumption through simple measures.
Cooking accounts for an important portion of total water consumption, but it is here that the greatest wastage often occurs. The first tip is never let the water run unnecessarily. When washing dishes, filling a basin for washing and using running water only for rinsing can reduce consumption considerably. If you own a dishwasher, always use it with a full load and select eco programmes is the most efficient choice.
A trick we often suggest to our customers is to collect the water used to wash fruit and vegetables: this can be reused to water plants, creating a virtuous circle. Similarly, pasta cooking water, once cooled, becomes an excellent natural fertiliser thanks to the nutrients released. To defrost food, plan ahead and avoid running water: in addition to saving water, you also save energy.
The bathroom absorbs the largest share of domestic water consumption, thus representing the area with the greatest optimisation potential. Replacing bathing with short showers is the most effective strategy: a quick shower consumes significantly less than a full bath. Installing low-flow showerheads can further decrease consumption while maintaining comfort.
Modern dual-button toilets allow you to choose the appropriate flush volume, a considerable improvement over older models. If replacement is not possible, placing a full bottle in the cistern reduces the volume of each flush. During personal hygiene, turning off the tap when not needed is a golden rule: shaving and brushing teeth can cause a lot of water to flow unnecessarily.
Green spaces require special attention for avoid water consumption. Irrigation should be concentrated in the cooler hours of the day - early morning or after sunset - to minimise evaporation. Drip irrigation systems can substantially reduce consumption compared to traditional irrigation.
Mulching the soil with organic materials or decorative gravel maintains soil moisture for longer, reducing the frequency of watering. Choosing native, drought-resistant plants is a long-term investment for sustainable gardens. Those with sufficient space can install rainwater harvesting systems: reservoirs connected to the gutters provide free watering resources.
In the professional sector, where we operate on a daily basis, the potential for savings is considerable. The installation of taps with motion sensors can significantly reduce water consumption in office bathrooms. Our water dispensers for schools and offices, either bottled or connected directly to the water supply, provide a sustainable alternative to bottles (water bottles can also be a good option), eliminating waste and reducing environmental impact.
La staff awareness is crucial: during our installations, we always provide information material and tips to maximise efficiency. An aware employee can positively influence the entire work team. By regularly monitoring consumption through regular meter readings, leaks or anomalies can be quickly identified: a dripping tap can waste thousands of litres a year.
L'technological innovation offers increasingly sophisticated tools for optimising consumption. Faucet aerators, inexpensive and easy-to-install devices, mix air into the water, reducing flow without compromising perceived pressure. Digital shower timers help monitor duration, while hot water recirculation systems eliminate waste while waiting for the desired temperature to be reached.
Smart meters and monitoring applications allow real-time control of consumption, identifying usage patterns and areas for improvement. Some advanced devices detect hidden leaks through pressure variation analysis, preventing significant waste and structural damage.
Proper maintenance of water systems prevents waste and costly repairs. We at DKR are well aware of this, as this is also a fundamental presence of our business and allows a long life to our equipment (revamping reference). Regularly checking taps, drains and visible pipes allows leaks to be identified at an early stage. A simple test to check for leaks in the toilet consists of pouring food colouring into the cistern: if the colour appears in the bowl without flushing, there is a leak.
Regular maintenance of household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines maintains optimal efficiency. Cleaning filters, checking seals and descaling regularly extends the life of appliances while keeping consumption low. Thermal insulation of pipes not only prevents frost damage but also reduces the waiting time for hot water.
Every daily action counts: turning off the tap while brushing one's teeth, collecting rainwater, using fully loaded household appliances. These seemingly insignificant gestures, multiplied by millions of people, have an enormous impact on water conservation.
Saving water represents a shared responsibility which generates immediate and future benefits. By implementing these tips, households can substantially reduce consumption with significant financial savings. At the corporate level, water efficiency policies reduce operating costs while improving the sustainable image.
We at DKR will continue to promote responsible practices through innovative products and services, as well as participate in initiatives such as Do the right thingdedicated to promoting critical consumption and sustainable lifestyles. We have already booked our participation at HOST, the international trade fair for professional hospitality, where we will promote our products dedicated to the horeca world, from breakfast solutions to catering.
We will also be present at the ANCI fair, which this year will take place in Bologna in November, where we will present the 'Acqua del Sindaco' project, from water houses to schools, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable water management in Italian municipalities.
For any information on our water distributors and activities please contact us at contact us.
Via Grigna, 60 - 20027 Rescaldina (MI) - ITALY
Tel. +39 0331 54 94 67 - Fax +39 0331 54 49 01
info@dkr.it - dkr@pec.it
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