I got my water bill and I was shocked. I found out what the problem was.

That’s how much I’ve exceeded my plan for my four-person household. That’s how much I have to pay extra, and I still pay for water every month because it’s included in the rent.

In recent months, we have written a lot about the rising cost of electricity and ways to reduce electricity consumption. We already know which devices consume the most energy. But water prices have also skyrocketed. That is why I decided to check which home appliances use the most energy and how I can save more of it.

How much does water cost?

As I read on the Mojawoda.com website, the average price of water per cubic meter, or 1 m3 in Poland, is around PLN 9-10. Converted to liters, a single liter of water costs around PLN 0.009, which is less than a grosz. However, this price can vary significantly depending on the region, and also on whether sewage treatment costs are included. The cost of water, which also includes sewage, is usually higher than the price of water itself. In many cities, such as Warsaw, Krakow or Wroclaw, this price can range from PLN 12 to PLN 15 per m3.

Over the last 20 years, water prices have increased by approximately 50-70%, which is the result of inflation, increases in energy costs and investments in the modernization of water supply networks.

Tap water is over 200 times cheaper than bottled water, so it’s definitely worth drinking. But when it comes to water consumption in the household, the costs are already getting high. On top of that, there’s the growing problem of drought, so it’s worth taking saving water seriously.

“Although water covers over 70% of our planet, only 2.5% is freshwater, and only 0.6% of its resources are freshwaters that are a source of drinking water,” reminds Hubert Różyk, spokesman for the Ministry of Climate and Environment.

The Ministry has published a list of 9 ways to save water at home:

1. Collecting water from precipitation and using it, for example, to water the garden or potted flowers.

2. Brushing your teeth and shaving with the tap turned off.

3. Giving up daily baths in favor of a shower, which uses significantly less water.

4. Replacing the toilet flush with one that reduces water consumption.

5. Regular inspection and, if necessary, replacement of sewage system components that are leaking and causing water loss.

6. Applying the principles of sustainable consumption – e.g. limiting purchases of food products when we do not need them. It is important to remember that food production generates the use of many litres of water.

7. Investing in household appliances that require less water – e.g.: buying a dishwasher that uses little water during a single cycle and running it with a full load; buying a washing machine that uses little water during a single cycle and running it with a full load.

8. Purchase a shower head with a water-saving function.

9. Installation of aerators in kitchen and bathroom taps.

I follow most of these rules every day. I take a quick shower, turn off the water while soaping my body and brushing my teeth, collect water to water my plants, etc.

Unfortunately, my kids (I have two) love to take a bath every day. And that’s where the problem lies. Plus, having kids in the house means the washing machine is running a lot.

What is grey water?

During a study trip to Japan a few years ago, I was amazed by the Japanese approach to ecology. The people of this country not only put a lot of effort into waste recovery, but also manage water wisely. How? For example, by using grey water. This is water from washing your hands, for example, which can be reused to flush the toilet. In almost every Japanese bathroom, I saw a simple installation that made this possible. I have never encountered this in Poland. Unfortunately, we flush toilets with drinking water.

Use rainwater

Fortunately, in Poland, you can already see tanks for collecting rainwater. Such water can be successfully used to water plants when it is not raining. In addition, homeowners and co-owners who collect rainwater can receive funding of up to PLN 6,000 from the “Moja Woda” program. Is it possible? It is possible.

Other positive examples of not wasting water? The city of Warsaw has been bragging for several years that the water occasionally drained from the city pools is collected and used to wash the streets. Bravo. I hope there will be more initiatives like this.