Dominica is often called the “Land of 365 rivers,” and it is easy to believe that water here will always be plentiful. Rivers are the heart of our island, and they are also where our drinking water begins. The Dominica Water and Sewerage Company, the national water utility, draws its supply from river watersheds. That makes the health of our rivers, and the way we use water at home, matter to everyone.
Water is not unlimited, even here
Residents and environmentalists have raised concerns about pressures on the island’s freshwater, including sediment from the removal of material from riverbeds, the clearing of riverbank trees, landslides, and shortages in the dry season. Some communities have reported low water pressure and outages during dry periods. When water is under pressure, every litre we waste is a litre someone else may not have.
How much do we really need?
Public health guidance from the World Health Organization describes basic access to water as about 20 litres per person per day, enough for drinking, handwashing and basic hygiene. Around 50 to 100 litres per person per day covers laundry and bathing as well, and keeps health risks low. Most of us would be surprised how easily we can use more than we need without noticing, simply because the water is there when we turn the tap.
Where does water go at home?
Take a walk around your home in your mind. Water is used in the bathroom for showers, toilets and brushing teeth, in the kitchen for cooking and washing dishes, and around the house for laundry, cleaning and watering plants. Most of these uses are necessary, but within each one there is usually a little room to use less. Noticing where water goes is the first step to saving it.
Observe first, then change
The best way to save water is to start with your own habits. Think about a normal day at home. Do you leave the tap running while you brush your teeth? Do you stay in the shower longer than you need to? Is water running while you wash dishes? Do you use more water than necessary when you clean? Is there a tap or pipe that drips?
Small changes add up quickly. Turn off the tap while you brush. Shorten your shower. Fill a basin for washing dishes instead of leaving the water running. Use only the amount of water you need when cleaning. Wash full loads when you use a washing machine. And if you notice a leak, tell an adult so it can be fixed or reported.
Why this matters beyond the tap
Using less water at home helps our rivers and the supply that depends on them, especially in dry weather when levels are lower. It also reduces the pressure on the people and the systems that bring water to our homes. Saving water is not about going without. It is about using what we need and valuing what we have.
A habit that lasts
A good habit is one that lasts longer than a challenge. Try one change for a week, notice how it feels, and keep what works. When you tell your family and friends what you noticed, you help the whole household save.
Your turn.
In the Track The Drop challenge, identify a water-wasting habit, change it for about a week, and record what your habit was before, what you changed and what you noticed afterwards. Share your story in the Eco-Submissions section of the app. On the Nature Isle, every drop counts.
Answer the Green Genius Trivia questions listed in the PDF attached to earn extra points for the Install and Learn campaign.
Article By: Mhea Bardouille and Jeovahna Josep
References:
Ferrol, R. (2023, June 30). Dominica at risk of losing its freshwater resource. Climate Tracker Caribbean. https://climatetrackercaribbean.org/climate-justice/dominica-at-risk-of-losing-its-freshwater-resource/
Ferrovial. (2020). How many litres of water does a person need per day?https://www.ferrovial.com/blog/en/2020/03/how-many-litres-of-water-does-a-person-need-per-day
