In Luxembourg, water scarcity is not yet a major problem. However, during recent very hot summers, it has become apparent that some regions could face water shortages in the future.

In addition, many rivers have lost their ability to self-purify and contain substances that nature can no longer filter out effectively. Producing high-quality drinking water from polluted surface or groundwater requires increasingly complex technical processes.

Even though per capita water consumption is declining slightly, total consumption is increasing due to population growth. It is not just a matter of conserving water, but also of using this precious resource more efficiently and sustainably.

Example from Germany: Out of an average daily water consumption of 125 liters per person, only 5 liters are actually used for cooking or drinking. 35 liters are used for flushing toilets, and the rest goes toward personal hygiene, laundry, housework, and dishwashing.

To ensure a sustainable supply of drinking water, it is essential to conserve water and use it wisely. Individuals play an important role in this process.

Conserve drinking water

Daily usage: Your water bill shows how much water flows through your pipes each day. In many apartment buildings, water usage is allocated on a per-person basis, which doesn’t encourage conservation. Checking the meter can reduce usage by up to 30%.

Key points:

  • 70 to 100 liters per person per day → economical use
  • More than 130 liters per person per day → high consumption

Technical resources

  • Water flow restrictor: Installed on a faucet or showerhead, it limits water flow. When used with an aerator, it mixes air and water to create a “fuller” flow without wasting water. Price: ~€5
  • Water-saving showerhead: uses less water while maintaining comfort. Saves energy used to heat water.
  • Single-handle faucet: quickly adjust the temperature with a single lever. Tip: set the lever to the center to let a little cold water run, or to the right (cold). Price: starting at €30
  • Water-saving toilet: reduced flush volume with the same effectiveness. Add a stop button to older models. Price: €5–15
  • Leaky faucet: A dripping faucet wastes about 10 liters a day → replace the washer.

Changes in habits

  • Choose a shower over a bath: you’ll save about 100 liters per shower. You don’t need to shower every day; every other day is enough.
  • Doing laundry: Fill the machines, skip the pre-wash cycle, and choose energy-efficient machines (10–12 liters per kilogram of laundry).
  • Watering the garden: only during dry spells, in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation. Use a rain barrel to collect free water.
  • Rainwater: If you allow rainwater to infiltrate into your property, you may even be exempt from rainwater-related fees. You can obtain more information from the relevant local government office in your municipality.
  • Use of Rainwater and Greywater: “Greywater” refers to the portion of domestic wastewater generated by baths, showers, or laundry.
    When treated by specialized systems, it can be used, for example, to flush toilets, run washing machines, or water the garden. Water from rainwater harvesting tanks can also be used for these purposes. Greywater recovery systems require space, a storage facility, and a separate plumbing system.

Protecting drinking water

  • Harmful substances must never be disposed of in the water: food scraps, oils, grease, hygiene products, paint → household or hazardous waste.
  • Harsh household chemicals are not necessary. Lemon is all you need to remove limescale. The amount of laundry detergent and dishwasher tablets should be adjusted according to how dirty the items are. Fabric softener is unnecessary.
  • Cleaning water must not be allowed to flow into the gutters if they are connected to the storm drain system.
  • Used medications: Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the sink. Pharmacies and recycling centers often have collection programs.
  • Garden: Avoid using chemical pesticides and herbicides on paved walkways. Compost is a good natural fertilizer.
  • Oil changes and car washes: Have your oil changed at a service station and don’t wash your car on the street.
  • Road salt: harmful to plants. Opt for sand, limestone, quartzite, or products with the “Blauer Engel” eco-label.
  • Chemical toilets (RV): These can disrupt wastewater treatment plants. Use certified products or empty the tank regularly.