Water Conservation Tips Lanzarote: Save Money | Leakbusters

Here at Leakbusters Lanzarote, our team of leak detection specialists shares their expertise.

Water: Lanzarote's Most Precious Resource

Living on one of Europe's driest islands means understanding water differently than residents of mainland areas with rivers, lakes, and regular rainfall. Lanzarote receives approximately 112mm of annual precipitation — less than many desert regions. Every drop we use must be created through energy-intensive desalination or drawn from limited underground sources.

This reality appears in water bills. Prices in Lanzarote run approximately 40% higher than the Spanish mainland average. Conservation isn't just environmentally responsible — it directly impacts household budgets and business operating costs.

Understanding Lanzarote's Water Supply

Where Our Water Comes From

The Consorcio del Agua de Lanzarote manages the island's water supply through:

Desalination plants in Arrecife and Playa Blanca that convert seawater to potable water. The reverse osmosis process requires significant energy, contributing to both cost and environmental impact.

Groundwater extraction from underground aquifers. These sources provide lower-cost water but are limited and increasingly affected by over-extraction and saltwater intrusion.

Rainwater collection during the rare heavy rainfall events. While traditional, this source cannot be relied upon for consistent supply.

Why Conservation Matters Here

Beyond personal cost savings, water conservation on Lanzarote addresses:

Energy consumption: Desalination requires approximately 3-4 kWh per cubic metre of water produced. Every litre saved reduces the island's energy demand.

Aquifer protection: Over-extraction from underground sources threatens long-term supply security. Reduced demand allows aquifers to stabilise.

Infrastructure stress: Water distribution systems serving Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, and other resort areas face peak demands during tourist seasons. Conservation reduces strain on pumping and distribution networks.

Indoor Conservation Strategies

Bathroom Water Savings

Bathrooms account for approximately 70% of indoor water use. Focus here for maximum impact:

Showers versus baths: A 5-minute shower uses approximately 35-40 litres; a bath uses 80-150 litres. Shifting bath habits can halve bathroom water use.

Shower efficiency: Installing a water-efficient showerhead (available at local ferreterías) reduces flow from typical 15 litres/minute to 6-8 litres/minute without noticeably affecting pressure experience.

Toilet flush systems: Older single-flush toilets use 9-12 litres per flush. Dual-flush or low-flow models use 3-6 litres. The savings from upgrading pay for the fixture within months.

Tap habits: Turning off water while brushing teeth or shaving saves 10-15 litres per occasion. Small behavioural changes accumulate to significant savings.

Leak detection: A toilet with a faulty flapper valve can waste 300-500 litres daily without obvious signs. Our water leak detection services can identify these hidden losses.

Kitchen Conservation

Dishwashing approach: A fully loaded efficient dishwasher uses less water than hand-washing the same dishes. Run only full loads.

Produce washing: Wash vegetables in a bowl rather than under running water. The used water can go to plants.

Drinking water: Keep a jug of water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap until it's cold.

Appliance selection: When replacing appliances, prioritise water efficiency ratings. European energy labels now include water consumption information.

Laundry Considerations

Load optimisation: Run only full loads. Half-loads use more than half the water of full loads.

Machine selection: Front-loading washers typically use 40-50% less water than top-loaders.

Greywater potential: Laundry rinse water (without bleach) can water non-edible plants, though greywater systems require proper installation to meet local regulations.

Outdoor Conservation in Lanzarote's Climate

Garden Approaches

Traditional European gardening doesn't work on Lanzarote without excessive water use. Embrace the island's natural beauty instead:

Xeriscaping: Landscaping with drought-tolerant plants native to the Canary Islands and similar climates requires minimal supplemental water once established.

Local plant selection: Native species like tabaibas, cardones, and dragos evolved for Lanzarote's conditions. They provide authentic island character while requiring little care.

Mulching: Applying volcanic picón around plants reduces evaporation dramatically. This local material also provides the characteristic Lanzarote agricultural aesthetic.

Irrigation timing: If you must irrigate, water in early morning or evening when evaporation rates are lowest. Avoid midday watering in summer — much of the water evaporates before reaching roots.

Drip versus spray: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots with minimal evaporation loss. Spray systems lose 30-50% of water to evaporation on hot Lanzarote days.

Pool Management

Pools are common in Lanzarote properties, particularly holiday villas in Playa Blanca and Tías municipality. Manage pool water carefully:

Evaporation control: A pool cover reduces evaporation by 90%+ when the pool isn't in use. Summer evaporation can exceed 5-7mm daily — hundreds of litres monthly from a typical pool.

Leak awareness: Losses exceeding normal evaporation indicate possible leaks. Our pool leak detection services identify problems before they waste thousands of litres.

Backwash efficiency: Filter backwashing uses 200-400 litres. Extend intervals where water quality permits, or consider cartridge filters that don't require backwashing.

Splash-out prevention: Pool surrounds and landscaping can be designed to return splashed water to the pool.

Aljibe Management

Traditional rooftop water tanks (aljibes) remain common across Lanzarote:

Evaporation reduction: Cover open aljibes to prevent evaporation — which can exceed 10% monthly in summer.

Float valve maintenance: A stuck or worn float valve wastes water continuously. Regular inspection prevents expensive waste.

Overflow management: Ensure overflows discharge to useful locations rather than simply draining away.

Monitoring Your Consumption

Reading Your Meter

Canal Gestión Lanzarote meters display consumption in cubic metres. Regular reading helps identify:

Baseline understanding: Know your normal consumption. A family of four typically uses 12-15 cubic metres monthly.

Anomaly detection: Sudden increases without lifestyle changes indicate possible leaks.

Seasonal patterns: Pool-equipped properties show higher summer consumption from evaporation replacement.

Smart Monitoring Options

Technology helps track consumption:

Digital meter readers photograph or record meter readings daily, identifying trends and anomalies.

Flow sensors installed after the main meter provide real-time consumption data and can alert to unusual usage patterns.

Leak detection systems monitor for flow during periods when no water should be used, identifying problems immediately.

Commercial and Holiday Rental Considerations

Rental Property Management

Holiday villas and apartments face specific conservation challenges:

Guest communication: Provide water conservation guidance appropriate for visitors unfamiliar with island conditions. Translated materials in common guest languages help.

Efficient fixtures: Install water-efficient showerheads and dual-flush toilets in rental properties. Guests maintain their comfort while using less water.

Between-rental checks: Monitor water consumption between guest stays. Unusual patterns may indicate developing leaks.

Commercial Property Efficiency

Hotels, restaurants, and businesses in Arrecife and resort areas benefit from:

Water audits: Professional assessment identifies inefficiencies and recommends improvements.

Staff training: Employees who understand water costs and conservation become active participants in reduction efforts.

Equipment maintenance: Regular maintenance of commercial dishwashers, laundry equipment, and irrigation systems ensures efficient operation.

Financial Impact of Conservation

Typical Savings Potential

Implementing comprehensive conservation measures can reduce water consumption by 30-50%:

Bathroom efficiency upgrades: Low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets can save 15-25% of total consumption.

Leak repair: Fixing hidden leaks that many properties have eliminates water waste that can represent 10-20% of billed consumption.

Behavioural changes: Simply being conscious of water use — shorter showers, full dishwasher loads, mindful garden watering — can reduce consumption 10-15%.

Return on Investment

Water-saving investments pay for themselves quickly at Lanzarote prices:

Low-flow showerhead (€15-30): Saves €20-40 annually

Dual-flush toilet mechanism (€25-50): Saves €30-60 annually

Pool cover (€100-300): Saves €50-150 annually in water and chemicals

Professional leak detection (variable): Often identifies losses that cost more monthly than the detection service

Community and Environmental Responsibility

The Bigger Picture

Individual conservation contributes to:

Reduced desalination demand: Less seawater processing means lower energy consumption and reduced environmental impact.

Aquifer recovery: Decreased extraction allows underground water sources to stabilise, protecting long-term supply security.

Infrastructure longevity: Reduced demand extends the life of pumping stations, pipes, and treatment facilities.

Local Engagement

Conservation efforts benefit from community approaches:

Community of owners: In apartment complexes, coordinated conservation reduces shared costs and community charges.

Agricultural practices: The traditional dry-farming methods that created La Geria's famous wine region demonstrate how Lanzarote's agriculture adapts to water scarcity.

Tourism industry: Hotels and resorts increasingly emphasise sustainability, recognising that visitors appreciate environmentally responsible operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a typical household use?

A family of four living permanently in Lanzarote typically uses 12-15 cubic metres monthly without pools or extensive gardens. Holiday properties with pools may use 20-30 cubic metres during occupied periods.

What's the biggest water waster in most homes?

Hidden leaks — particularly toilet mechanisms — often waste more water than any intentional use. A faulty toilet can waste 10,000+ litres monthly. Regular leak checks catch these problems early.

Is recycled water available for gardens?

Some municipalities are developing greywater recycling for irrigation. Check with your local ayuntamiento for current availability and regulations in your area.

Should I collect rainwater in Lanzarote?

Traditional aljibe systems collected rainwater, and modern collection remains possible. However, the infrequency and intensity of rainfall means systems must be designed for large occasional volumes rather than regular collection.

How can I tell if I have a leak wasting water?

Check your meter before bed and again in the morning before using any water. If the reading changed, water is flowing somewhere. Our leak detection services can locate the source.

Do low-flow fixtures really make a difference?

Yes. A low-flow showerhead saving 7 litres per minute for a 7-minute daily shower saves over 18,000 litres annually per person. For a family, that's a noticeable reduction in water bills.

Taking Action

Water conservation on Lanzarote isn't optional — it's essential for sustainable living on our beautiful island. Every litre saved reduces costs, protects resources, and ensures future generations can enjoy the same quality of life.

Start with the basics: check for leaks, install efficient fixtures, and develop water-conscious habits. For properties with unexplained consumption, contact our team for professional leak detection that identifies hidden waste.

Together, we can protect Lanzarote's most precious resource while keeping household and business costs under control.