Be smart with water
Pure, drinkable water flowing from the tap may feel like a given. However, few of us stop to consider how much effort has gone into making it possible. Using tap water wisely pays off, especially in the long run. Get started by taking on the ‘One Song Shower’ challenge.
Even though Vaasa is located by the sea, tap water doesn’t flow by itself. Purifying, heating, and supplying it to homes requires energy, money, and infrastructure. In Vaasa, energy use is even higher because the tap water comes from surface sources rather than groundwater, and therefore requires more treatment. Did you know that the water used in Vaasa is pumped from the Kyrönjoki River?
One-song showers
Let’s take a closer look. On average, people in Vaasa use 118 litres of water per person each day. That adds up to more than 8 million litres every day. Around 45% of this is used for hygiene, with most of the water going down the drain during showers.
– The shower is one place where each of us can make a small difference to the city’s overall water use. Even a small cut in shower time makes a big difference overall when multiplied across many households, says Tarja Teppo, Supervisor of Customer Service from Vaasa Water.
Turning off the tap while lathering up is a tip you have probably heard before. If you avoid letting water run unnecessarily, a shower can be as short as three minutes. Should you set an alarm in your bathroom? Of course not.
Take a one-song shower instead! In other words, try timing your shower to a song and make sure you finish when your favourite track ends.
Benefits of saving water
Although we don’t need to worry about running out of water right now, it’s still wise not to waste it. Small everyday actions add up to big savings and benefits. Shorter showers bring benefits such as:
- Less strain on pipes, fittings, and bathroom surfaces. The drier the bathroom surfaces stay, the longer they last.
- Save energy and money with every shower. Even if you pay a fixed rate for water, your bill can still increase if your usage goes up. Heating water costs money too: a daily 10-minute shower adds up to around €300 a year. By cutting your shower to three minutes, the cost drops to about €90, taking both water and energy into account.
- Reduced energy consumption at water plants. Purifying, pumping, and heating water all require electricity. When consumption decreases, the whole city saves energy and money, and the environment benefits.
Learn more about the water-saving campaign and start 2026 with one-song showers!