Despite heavy rainfall in the Hauts-de-France, Lens, a city known in the past for its mining activity and today for its "blood and gold" footballers, has begun to implement a strong strategy to encourage water saving. The civic administration has made the decision to distribute rainwater recuperators free of charge.
This is a choice that has two main objectives: helping citizens save on their water bills and preserving an increasingly precious resource. It could also be a good paradigm for Italian municipalities, and not only.
Work in progress
For the moment, the initiative is experimental. 1000 recoveries have been distributed and, given the numerous requests, more will be ordered soon. Despite frequent rainfall, the northern French region and the Pas-De-Calais between France and the United Kingdom have been under monitoring for drought for over two months (early April).
The idea behind the distribution of the recuperators is to continue to irrigate plants and gardens with rainwater, preserving all the drinkable water for different uses.
“Citizenship” rainwater, a growing project
Distributing rainwater reclaimers free of charge to all citizens is not the only option to standardize water collection and optimization. There are several methods that can be adopted as part of a city strategy.
The collection tanks, for example, are designed to collect water from drips and roofs.
The "green roofs", covered with vegetation, they can absorb and temporarily retain rainwater. The latter can then be collected and used, or slowly released into the surrounding environment, thus reducing rainwater runoff and helping to regulate the temperature of the building.
I infiltration wells, finally, they are dug into the ground and filled with materials such as gravel or rock to facilitate water absorption. Designed to allow rainwater to infiltrate directly into the ground to strengthen aquifers, they are particularly useful in areas where water conservation is a priority, or where the ground is capable of accepting large quantities of water.
What do you think?
I think that the free distribution of rainwater harvesters is a good step forward in the journey towards sustainability. The initiative taken by the city of Lens is a brilliant example of how communities can take effective measures for water saving, and also save on their bill.
What do you think? Do you have similar ideas or experiences to share? We invite you to express your opinion on our Futuro Prossimo social channels. maybe here, on the newly opened Instagram group profile, where you could send photos of your rainwater recovery solutions.
Your participation can inspire others to do the same, and together we can make a difference to a more sustainable future. Remember, every drop counts!
