WATER SHORTAGE
Water Consumption
As we all are aware, water is a precious natural resource.
Even though it is found in large quantity all over the Earth,
its treatment is difficult and expensive. Some specialists
state that, if water consumption keeps up on the same level
as it is now (considering high wastage), in a near future, we
will have to deal with serious water shortage. Besides
helping the environment, the practice of saving water
through conscious consumption, can also save a lot of
money spent on water bills.
Current Situation in Brazil
Considering hydraulic disposal and conditions of the system
and production infrastructure, data shows that in 2015,
55% of all Brazilian cities will have a shortage in water
provision and they include big cities such as: São Paulo, Rio
de Janeiro, Salvador, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre and
Brasília. In percentage this represents 71% of total Brazilian population – 125 million people.
Around 17% of the towns in Brazil have declared a state of
emergency due to the shortage of water in their reservoirs.
This is the worst drought in 84 years.
In São Paulo, several neighborhoods are already experiencing water shortage, having to live without water for 18
hours per day. Some condos have adopted a rotating
system, cutting off water supply for some periods and days
of the week.
Water authorities are considering adopting "five days off
two days on" in order to reach the desired consumption
level for the dry period. But this is still being discussed with
all entities involved. Other large cities are also facing the
same situation, such as: Salvador, Brasília, Belo Horizonte
and Rio de Janeiro.
Water shortage also raises the risk of power blackouts, as
the main source of energy in Brazil is hydroelectric. To avoid
electricity crisis the government has recently implemented a
new rule in the electricity charge: the more energy you use,
the more expensive the payment for the consumed unit.
See below the system of tariff flags adopted by the electricity companies in order to indicate the cost of power
generation by the costumer:
Green flag = the rate does not suffer any
increase, as it represents a favorable condition
of power generation.
Yellow flag = the rate suffers an increase of
R$2,50 per each 100 kilowatt-hours (KWh)
consumed. It is a warning signal.
Red flag = there is an increase of R$5,50 per
each 100 kilowatt-hours (KWh) consumed, as
there is a higher cost to generate and delivery
electricity for the property due the high
consumption.
Tips to Save Water
It is extremely important to be conscious about water
consumption and save as much as possible on a daily basis.
For so, we have listed some helpful practices that can be used:
Washing dishes – Washing dishes
with water flowing can waste around
105 liters of water. Dishwashers
waste 40 liters every time you use it.
Please make sure that your dishwasher is full before turning it on and,
when using the tap to wash the
dishes, make sure you do not leave
the water flowing constantly.
Shower – When taking a shower,
make sure you turn off the water
when soaping and showering your
hair. This will help you to save around
132 liters of water. Also, retain the
shower water while heating, and
reuse for watering plants, cleaning
the floor, etc.
Brushing your teeth – When
brushing your teeth, make sure you
keep the water off and only turn it on
when washing your mouth. It is even
better to use a glass of water instead
of using the tap. This action can save
3 liters of water.
Electrical equipment – Unplug all
your equipment while you are not
using it.
Toilet – Please check that the toilet
valve is not broken or leaking. Also,
do not dispose toilet paper in the
toilet as this can cause serious
clogging problems.
Regular maintenance – on the
electrical and hydraulic system of
the property, to avoid waste due to
lack of maintenance.
Taps – An opened tap can waste
between 12 and 20 liters per
minute. Leaking can increase it to
1.380 liters per month. Please make
sure you close the tap properly.
Washing your car – Using a hose
to wash your car will consume
around 600 liters of water. Consider
to wash your car with a dry washing
system.
We must be mindful of the water
and energy crisis, not to be
frightened by bills at the end of the
month, but also to prevent drastic
measures by the Government to
reduce consumption.
São Paulo Office:
Avenida Piracema, 1061 - Tamboré
Bareri - SP - Brazil - CEP: 06460-030
(55) 11-4193-1006
www.larmgroup.com
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