Water Conservation 101 Azerbaijan???

When I walk around Zaqatala, free flowing water is everywhere.  I mean this literally, my host family that I lived with did not have a faucet, the water ran out of a hose 24/7 and many times in the streets water is just running out of a pipe or hose as well.  I often wonder why they do not put faucets on the flowing water to control and stop the wasting of precious water.  In that respect, apartment water is brought in much difference than houses.  In houses there is a pump that brings in the water pretty much continuously whereas in apartments you have a tank.   The water for my apartment comes on Tuesdays and Fridays, and I am finally getting the hang of filling the tank (yes there is a process).  I have two valves that I must turn on to get the water from outside to fill the tank (and water heater) inside.  Now there is a 3^rd valve that must be turned off because that is the valve that allows the water from the tank to go to faucets once the tank is filled.  So when the tank is filled, I turned the two valves off and the third valve on.. got it?   I get extra pots and fill them up when the water is coming in and I also turn on the heater so I can take a shower and then I keep the incoming water so the tanks fills up maybe. I say maybe, because it hasn't worked yet. Whew, I’m tired already!  In my last blog, I told you I ran out of water because of the toilet leaking, well, there isn’t enough water to flush but maybe a couple times because my tank is very small and the water has to last (for cooking, washing dishes, my filtered, etc) for almost 4 days.  So I have to learn to conserve.  I am only taking a shower when the water comes (Tuesdays and Fridays) and I shave my legs before showering.  I now stand in a tub when I shower and then use that water for flushing, so I will let you know if my water last the four days!!!  So far it hasn’t but I’m working on it with a “positive” attitude.  My apartment is comfortable and I can adjust to the water situation (always a challenge in this country).  My friend allows me to do my wash at her business (she even has a dryer!) and whenever I need an “extra” shower, she said I can take one at her house any time. Again God has blessed me with options!!  I surely miss taking long hot showers and when I go back home I will probably take them again I’m sure but here I am conserving water and that is not a bad thing. I took pictures of the valves and tank:

Water Tank Holds 50 Liters

See the valve on the left

Top valve is off, middle is on and bottom I don't know!!

Small open pipe when tank is full the overflow water comes out and you know to shut it off



Now I bet you have a new appreciation for going into the kitchen and just turning on the water or flushing your toilet, I know that I do!!!! But I am also learning the value of not needing so much water and to conserve to make it last.  To be continue in winter (I may not be so happy!!).

Life Challenge: Harmony with the land is like harmony with a friend; you cannot cherish his right hand and chop off his left.... Aldo Leopold