They fit in the palm of your hand and only cost a few euros in stores. These small objects called “aerators” or “jet aerators” are formidable tools for reducing water consumption by limiting the flow at the outlet. Faced with the drought and the threat of a water shortage this winter, the Eau du Bassin Rennes (EBR) union has chosen to offer it free of charge to all subscribers who request it. Objective: to reduce the water consumption of households in Ille-et-Vilaine, who drink 75% of the drinking water produced by the community.
“We must not rely on the rains of August and September. The crisis situation persists and the resource continues to decline”. President of the Eau du Bassin Rennes trade union, Michel Demolder does not want the population to relax its efforts in the face of the drought. Since the beginning of August and the classification of the department of Ille-et-Vilaine in a state of crisis, its community has multiplied its efforts to raise awareness of the half-million inhabitants it supplies. Messages were broadcast on the Star bus network in Rennes. “We must constantly remind everyone reduce shower time or not letting a tap run while brushing your teeth. If everyone reduces their consumption by 10%, we will have significant savings, ”says Laurent Géneau, director of the structure which supplies 72 municipalities with water.
More than 1,500 kits already distributed
To help households reduce their consumption, Eau du bassin rennais has ordered thousands of kits called Ecodo. These small aerators to be installed in the tap considerably reduce the output flow. “In the kitchen, we go to 6 liters per minute, instead of 10 to 12 liters normally. In the bathroom, you can even go down to 4 litres”, assures the director.
This summer, the ambassadors recruited by the community to raise awareness of good gestures have already distributed 1,500 kits of this type, in particular to students. If you are not already equipped, know that all subscribers who are interested can request a free kit on the EBR website. “It’s a choice that also pays off financially. Because if they consume less, our subscribers will also save money, ”recalls the president of the union. In fact, it is good to check its installation before ordering, because more and more recent faucets are already equipped with these flow reduction systems.