You’re Wasting Water in Dubai Apartments, Fix It Now 2025

Uncategorized1 month ago

Water is one of the most precious resources in the UAE, and nowhere is this felt more than in Dubai. As the city continues to grow, water consumption has become a serious concern. Many residents live in apartments and may think there’s not much they can do to help. But in reality, even small changes in daily habits can lead to big savings in both water and money.

This article covers easy and effective ways to save water in your Dubai apartment without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re renting a one-bedroom flat in Marina or living in a high-rise in Business Bay, these tips can help you reduce your water footprint.

Why Water Saving Is Important in Dubai

Dubai is located in a desert region, which means it receives very little rainfall throughout the year. To meet the growing demand, the UAE relies heavily on desalination — a process that turns seawater into drinkable water. This process is energy-intensive and costly.

According to Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the average person in Dubai uses around 550 liters of water per day — much higher than the global average. This overuse places a strain on resources and increases utility bills for residents.

Water Saving Starts at Home

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Here are practical ways to make a difference right from your own home:

1. Fix Leaks Immediately
Even a small drip from a tap or toilet can waste thousands of liters a year. Always check for leaking faucets, showerheads, or toilets. If you notice water stains or dampness under sinks, report it to building maintenance right away. In Dubai, many landlords are responsible for major plumbing repairs, so don’t hesitate to inform them.

2. Install Water-Saving Devices
Aerators for taps and low-flow showerheads are small, inexpensive devices that reduce water usage without affecting pressure. In Dubai, some newer apartments already come with water-saving fixtures, but if yours doesn’t, you can buy them at any hardware store or online.

3. Turn Off the Tap While Brushing
One of the easiest changes you can make is turning off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. This small act can save up to 6 liters of water each time.

4. Use a Bucket for Cleaning
Instead of leaving the tap running while cleaning floors, windows, or even washing your car in the basement parking area, fill a bucket. You’ll use less water and still get the job done.

5. Run Full Loads in Washing Machines and Dishwashers
Modern appliances are built to be water-efficient — but only when used correctly. Always wait until you have a full load before using your washing machine or dishwasher. This simple habit saves both water and energy.

6. Reuse Greywater Where Possible
Greywater is the used water from sinks, showers, and laundry (not toilets). While it may not be safe for drinking, it can be reused for cleaning or flushing toilets. Though greywater recycling systems are not yet common in most Dubai apartments, reusing water manually — like using leftover laundry water to clean the balcony — can still make a difference.

Water-Smart Kitchen Habits

The kitchen is one of the biggest water-use zones in any apartment. Here’s how to cut back:

Don’t rinse dishes under running water before putting them in the dishwasher. Scrape off food instead.
If washing by hand, fill one side of the sink with soapy water and the other with clean water for rinsing.
Defrost frozen food in the fridge overnight instead of using running water.

Bathroom Water Saving Ideas

Apartments often have standard bathrooms, but that doesn’t mean you can’t save water:

Take shorter showers. Cutting your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes can save 45 liters each time.
Use a bucket instead of a shower when bathing children.
Use dual-flush toilets if available. If not, consider placing a bottle filled with water inside the cistern to reduce the amount used per flush.

Community Awareness and Building-Wide Savings

If you live in a larger apartment complex, encourage your building management to install water-efficient systems. This could include:

Water meters for each unit to track usage
Sensor-based taps in common areas
Scheduled maintenance to prevent hidden leaks

In addition, DEWA often runs public awareness campaigns and offers incentives for water-saving products. Staying informed and participating in such programs can benefit everyone.

Technology Can Help

There are smart water monitoring apps and devices available that connect to your phone. These apps show how much water you’re using daily and help you find areas where you can cut back. Some popular options are WaterSmart and Dropcountr. Investing in such tech may cost a bit upfront but can lead to long-term savings.

Government Efforts and How You Can Help

Dubai’s leadership is already working toward a water-efficient future. DEWA’s goal is to reduce water consumption by 30% by 2030. While large projects and policies are being implemented, residents have an important role to play.

By taking responsibility for our own water usage, we support the city’s sustainability vision and help protect resources for future generations.

Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact

Living in an apartment in Dubai doesn’t limit your ability to save water. In fact, the shared nature of apartment complexes means your actions can inspire others. Simple changes in your daily routine can lead to hundreds of liters saved each month, lower utility bills, and a cleaner environment.

Start with one or two changes today — turn off the tap, fix a leak, install a low-flow showerhead — and you’ll be surprised how quickly the savings add up.