Despite the abundant 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 decisive strategy to encourage water saving. The civic administration has made the decision to distribute rainwater recuperators free of charge.
This choice has two main objectives: to help citizens save on their water bills and to preserve an increasingly precious resource. It could also be a good paradigm for Italian municipalities, and beyond.
Work in progress
For the moment, the initiative is experimental. 1000 recuperators have been distributed and, given the numerous applicants, more will soon be ordered. Despite frequent rains, the French northern region and the Pas-De-Calais between France and the United Kingdom have been under drought monitoring for over two months (early April).
The idea behind the distribution of recuperators is to continue to irrigate plants and gardens with rainwater, preserving all the drinkable water for different uses.
Rainwater "of citizenship", a growing project
Distributing rainwater recovery units free of charge to all citizens is not the only option for mass-marketing water collection and optimisation. There are several methods that can be implemented as part of a city strategy.
The collection tanks, for example, are designed to collect water from gutters 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 the runoff of rainwater and helping to regulate the building temperature.
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 reinforcing groundwater, they are particularly useful in areas where water conservation is a priority, or where the ground is capable of accepting large amounts of water.
What do you think?
I think the free distribution of rainwater collectors is a great 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!
