UAE: Tips for residents to save over 11,000 litres of water, money on utility bills

Dubai: Fixing a leaking tap can help save more than 11,000 litres of water annually, which will result in reduced utility bills as well, a top official from a wastewater treatment company in Abu Dhabi said.

Eng. Mohamed Al Hebsi, Engineering Services Department Manager, TAQA Water Solutions – the sole entity behind all wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse in the Abu Dhabi emirate, told Gulf News that community members can make a significant impact by adopting small, mindful changes to reduce water consumption.

“While glacier preservation may feel like a distant problem here in the UAE, climate change has no borders. The impact of melting glaciers not only causes global sea levels to rise but alters weather patterns across the world. In the UAE, this can mean more extreme weather such as rainfall, cyclones, heatwaves, and droughts.”

Eng. Al Hebsi pointed out that this year’s UN World Water Day, observed today (March 22), highlighted the importance of protecting freshwater resources.

“And just as we’re all impacted by climate change, we can all take action to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve the world’s precious water resources. At TAQA Water Solutions, we recycle water to reduce reliance on freshwater sources and do so in a way that is less energy-intensive.”

Eng. Al Hebsi offered a few tips on how individuals can help:

“Many of us don’t realise how much water we waste daily. Simple actions like cutting your shower time by two minutes can save about 38 litres and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes prevents wasting up to 15 litres per minute. Be mindful of your habits – take shorter showers, turn off taps when it’s not in use, and only run dishwashers or washing machines with full loads. Also, when washing hands, wet your hands, turn off the tap while lathering, then rinse.”

“A dripping tap can waste over 11,000 litres of water annually – enough to fill a swimming pool. Leaky pipes and fixtures are major sources of water wastage, so fix them promptly. To check for hidden leaks, compare your water metre readings before and after two hours of no water use. If the reading changes, you likely have an issue.”

“Water conservation is a collective effort, not just an individual responsibility. Join community initiatives like clean-up drives, water-saving workshops, or tree-planting events to make a bigger impact. Start conversations about water-saving practices in your neighbourhood, workplace, school or mosque.”

“Producing a single-use 1-litre plastic bottle uses about 3 litres of water and causes significant environmental harm. Switch to a refillable water bottle to reduce waste and conserve water used in manufacturing. Many reusable bottles are insulated, keeping drinks cooler for longer – a win-win for you and the planet.”

“Don’t let usable water go to waste – reuse it. Collect water from rinsing fruits and vegetables to hydrate your plants or garden. Similarly, cooled water from boiling pasta or eggs is nutrient-rich and great for greenery. With a little creativity, you can make every drop count.”

“Using a hose to wash your car may seem convenient, but it can waste up to 380 litres in just 10 minutes. Instead, use a bucket and sponge to drastically cut water usage – it can even be a fun family activity with children. Prefer professional car washes? Opt for eco-friendly services that recycle water.”

“Modern technology makes water conservation easier than ever. Upgrade to water-efficient appliances like low-flow showerheads, taps, and dual-flush toilets, which use significantly less water without compromising performance. For example, a low-flow showerhead can reduce monthly water usage by up to 60 per cent. Energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines save water, electricity, and money – benefitting you and the environment.”