Methods Of Water Conservation
Conservation of water methods is utilising water efficiently to reduce waste. According to the FreshWater Watch website, conservation of water methods is crucial because fresh, clean water is a limited and expensive resource.The ecosystem — and our wallets — both depend on the conservation of this natural resource. Here are some of the Methods Of Water Conservation-
Water pollution prevention
The amount of freshwater accessible on Earth is sufficient to supply the drinking water needs of the globe’s current population. Still, a considerable portion of this water is unfit for human use due to increased economic activities, urbanisation, and other forms of human development.
In the last century, oceanic water in the form of seas’ natural systems has become polluted at an alarming rate. There are two types of water: surface water, which is found in rivers and lakes, and underground water, found in various depths beneath the Earth’s surface.
Because water demand is rising across most of the planet, the planet’s water resources must be kept clean at all times. Normally, seawater is assumed to be unfit for human consumption due to its salinity. Consequently, an international programme to limit the oily and radioactive pollution of the oceans is important.
Groundwater Management: a rational approach
25% of the world’s total water supply comes from underground sources, while the remaining 75% comes from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, and the like. Demand for groundwater continues to outpace supply, resulting in a downward spiral of groundwater levels.
Therefore, groundwater extraction should be limited to the amount of water that can be replenished. Agriculture in India uses the vast majority of the country’s groundwater resources. Groundwater can be protected in proportion to its users if used exclusively in a responsible manner.
The conservation of water methods issue has gotten out of hand because of rapid population growth and deterioration in quantity and quality of water supply. Water use is on the rise at a rapid pace. Demand for fresh water has increased due to the expansion of industries and urbanisation, which has led to an increase in population.
There was an anticipated need for 435 cubic kilometres of water worldwide in 2001. 60% of this is needed for agriculture, 30% for industry, and 10% for daily activities like cooking, bathing, and drinking.
By 2025, the world’s population is expected to reach 800 crores. As the United Nations has warned, a severe water shortage will affect the entire planet if population growth is not reined in. The year 2003 was designated the “Fresh Water Year” by the United Nations Organisation.
Enlarging Forests
Every year, the Earth’s surface receives rainfall in varying amounts depending on hydrological movements. This water travels to the oceans on the surface. Deforestation has increased over the last century, and as a result, much of the precipitation that fell has gone straight to the salty seas.
Flood Control
A huge amount of the world’s freshwater is ruined by floods in India, which affects a total area of 32.8 crore hectares, out of which 4 crore hectares of land are flood-prone. Embankments and canals can save a significant amount of land while also reducing flood damages. 1.44 million acres of land have been designated for flood management, and security has been provided to some extent to the drainage areas of the Ganges and other rivers.
Water Conservation Techniques
Harvesting of Rainwater
Rainfall harvesting systems can range from the simplest way for conservation of water methods among all, like attaching a water butt to a rainwater downpipe, to the most complicated, like collecting rainwater from a big region and distributing it to a large number of houses.
Technology for Efficient Irrigation
Beautiful lawns and gardens require a lot of water to keep them looking their best. By monitoring variables like precipitation and temperature, these controllers are able to avoid over-watering the landscaping and plantations on a property. Drip irrigation, in conjunction with sophisticated irrigation controllers, can save even more money.
Meters for water
When discussing the conservation of water methods, the word “water metering” is frequently heard. In a nutshell, water metering is the process of determining how much water is being used in each individual residential unit. Water metres are put in each apartment, and these metres record the amount of water being used in a home.
The use of greywater
While used for drinking purposes, grey water can still be used for a variety of other uses because of its low contaminant levels. There are many examples of greywater, such as water used to wash hands, clothes or dishes. Irrigation of non-edible plants is an effective use for greywater.
Conclusion
For the conservation of water, one must use it wisely so that there is no wastage of resources. Conservation of water methods is critical since it is a finite resource required for the existence of all living things, including humans, animals, birds, and every other type of animal. There is a shortage of drinking water due to water contamination in our cities, towns, and nearly everywhere else. Every effort must be made to preserve water. Methods such as those outlined above can help conserve water.