The water usage is not significant at all. We performed an experiment a while ago using only bottles of water to wash the pads, no running water, and the result was that we used less than the 20L allocated to wash all the pads hygienically for a full 5-day cycle. This is less water than is used for a daily bath. Palesa Pads supplies a bucket and cleaning products with the pads so there is no need for pads to be rinsed under running water. In areas with severe water shortages, girls can wash their pads in their bath or rinsing water as they do with their panties and socks, whish is part of their daily routine.