Distributing water-saving devices could save Malta 500,000 m3 of water
James Debono The Malta Resources Authority is considering the free distribution of a “set of domestic water saving devices”, following an information campaign pilot project in public buildings.
Malta could save 500,000 cubic metres of water through distributing of water-saving devices to households, a report presented to the French NGO Plan Bleu by the director of MRA’s water resources services states.
“These water saving devices are designed to be fitted onto existing appliances. They include aerators, discharge limitation devices and pressure reducers for taps and showers as well as equipment for flashings consisting of plastic bags to be added in the toilet reservoirs,” Manuel Sapiano wrote.
The water saving potential of this measure is estimated at 6 cubic metres per household annually, or 15% of water used in taps, showers and toilet flushes.
If only half the Maltese households (85,000 residences) install the water saving devices, the potential annual effect of the measure amounts to set around 500,000m3.
The total cost of this measure is estimated at €485,000.
Contacted by MaltaToday, Sapiano confirmed that the MRA is currently involved, with other partners from the Mediterranean region, in the submission for EU funds for the distribution of free water devices.
“If successful, we will investigate effectively of such a measure in selected pilot-areas,” Sapiano said.
Malta can save a further 225,000 cubic metres of water a year if it enacts tax rebates for the installation of water saving devices. The tax-rebate would apply to the purchase of low water consumption household fittings, such as adjustable taps and shower rose heads and double button flushes.
The water saving potential of this measure is estimated at 19.2 cubic metres per household every year (40% of the water used for toilet flushing, showers and washing machines). Assuming a maximum 25% implementation rate, the potential saving effect of this measure amounts to around 225,000m3 ever year.
The total cost of this measure will depend on the level of rebate agreed with stakeholders.
According to Sapiano this measure has been indirectly implemented through the rebate scheme on energy efficient appliances, since these also water efficient.
He also pointed out that the increased availability of efficient appliances like double-flush toilets and water-efficient washing machines is resulting in the “natural replacement” of inefficient devices.
These two proposals were among a number submitted in a national report on Water Use Efficiency Report to Plan Bleu, to alert decision-takers and other stakeholders to environmental risks and sustainable development issues in the Mediterranean.
Sapiano said the various proposals included in the report are still being evaluated for their cost effectiveness, and social and environmental benefits.
The EU wants each member state to present a water catchment management plan which includes a ‘Programme of Measures’ aimed at addressing the actions which need to be taken for the protection of Malta’s groundwater bodies.
Malta is expected to issue its plan for public consultation at the end of this year.
How to convert any toilet to a low-flush toilet
1. Fill a half-gallon container. A plastic bottle is ideal. Remove any paper or plastic label on the outside of the container. Fill it at least partially with pebbles, sand, or gravel – whatever is handy. Then add water if more weight is needed. If you just fill it with water, though, the container will move around in the tank and interfere with the mechanism.
2. Seal it shut.
3. Place the container in the tank of the toilet.
4. Carefully lower it into the water.
5. Replace the lid of the tank.
6. Flush away. A sealed half-gallon container will save half a gallon on each flush. If you, like most humans, flush 5 times daily, your family of five will save 350 gallons (1325 litres) of water every month. These savings will significantly cut your water bill, too.
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