Water Shortage: Individual Countermeasures

[1. Water-saving actions in daily life]
✅ Specific examples

Do not leave the water running while brushing your teeth or washing your face

Reuse leftover bath water for laundry or cleaning

Shorten shower time

Switch to a water-saving toilet (or flush using the 'small' setting)

✅ Background/Reason
Reducing waste in domestic water usage is the easiest and most effective measure against water shortages. In Japan, approximately 40% of household water is used for baths and showers, and 20% for toilets (based on Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism data).

[2. Reuse of rainwater and greywater]
✅ Specific examples

Installation of rainwater tanks (possible on balconies or in gardens)

Use rinse water from dishwashing or air conditioner drainage for watering plants

Introduction of simple greywater systems (household drainage reuse)

✅ Background/Reason
Reusing rainwater and greywater has the effect of creating new water resources and is particularly effective for plants in gardens or on balconies. It can be implemented relatively easily even in urban areas.

[3. Awareness of indirect water resource protection]
✅ Specific examples

Reduce food loss (leads to saving agricultural water)

Choose products that are mindful of water resources (Eco-mark products, water-saving appliances, etc.)

Participate in water-saving campaigns by local governments or communities

✅ Background/Reason
Saving 'virtual water' (water used in the manufacturing process of food and products) indirectly contributes to water shortage countermeasures. For example, it is said that 1kg of beef requires approximately 15,000 liters of water.

[Summary]
Measure Content Specific examples
Water saving in daily life Reduce water usage Turn off water while brushing teeth, reuse leftover bath water
Water reuse Effective use of rainwater and greywater Rainwater tanks, reuse of drainage for plants
Indirect water protection Product and food selection, raising awareness Reduction of food loss, selection of eco-products, water-saving awareness