Introduction:
Water is one of the most important natural resources on our planet. It is essential for all living organisms. Water resources are under severe stress due to growing population, urbanization, industrialization and changing lifestyles. We are depleting our groundwater reserves at an alarming rate. If corrective measures are not taken on priority, there may be severe water shortage in the near future resulting in devastating consequences. Therefore, it has become extremely important for each one of us to do our bit to conserve water.
Importance of Water:
Water is vital for the survival of all living beings. Some key aspects highlighting the importance of water are:
70% of the human body is made up of water and it is essential for various metabolic activities in our body. Water is needed for digestion, absorption and transportation of nutrients.
Water is required for all agricultural activities. Plants need water for photosynthesis and growth. Lack of water can destroy farm yields. Around 80-90% of total water withdrawal globally is for agricultural purposes only.
Water is used in various industries like thermal power plants, manufacturing, construction etc. Industrial processes require a consistent supply of water. Industry and manufacturing are highly dependent on water availability.
Water has no substitute and there is no way to increase its supply other than conservation methods. Given the increasing demand, it is extremely crucial that we manage our water resources efficiently through various conservation practices.
Sources of Water and Challenges:
The sources of water are primarily rivers, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater through aquifers and also rainfall. Unfortunately, most of our water sources are under tremendous stress due to over-usage and lack of protection. Some of the key challenges being faced are:
Unsustainable groundwater extraction: Groundwater accounts for over 50% of water usage in India through dug wells and borewells. But extraction far outweighs replenishment leading to depletion of aquifers in many parts. The water table is dropping at an alarming rate.
Pollution of water bodies: Rivers and lakes supply a major part of our domestic and industrial water needs. But years of untreated discharge of industrial effluents and sewage have polluted most of our surface water. This contaminated water cannot be used directly.
Improper irrigation practices: Flood irrigation technique used in agriculture wastes a significant portion of water. Lack of micro-irrigation leads to more water guzzling. The expanding area under irrigation is also reducing fresh water availability.
Demand supply gap: With expanding urbanization and population growth, demand for water is increasing rapidly. But supply remains limited due to hydrological changes and less conservation efforts. This demand-supply gap poses a severe threat if left unaddressed.
Infrastructure challenges: Leakages in the supply network, obsolete pipeline systems and lack of treatment facilities cause up to 35% losses of supplied water in cities. Improper infrastructure exacerbates water scarcity issues further.
Global warming impacts: Climate change is altering rainfall patterns globally. Erratic monsoons, frequent droughts and heatwaves are already destabilizing water supply sources in many regions. Adaptation is an urgent need.
Need for Conservation:
Considering the critical importance of water and challenges faced in its availability, water conservation has become unavoidable. Each one of us has a responsibility towards sustainable water management by:
Adopting water-saving techniques in daily household activities like installing efficient faucets and showerheads, use of water-efficient washers and dishwashers, scheduling lawn watering, using bucket instead of continuous flow etc.
Practicing rainwater harvesting to recharge groundwater. Rooftop rainwater harvesting should be encouraged through policy measures.
Choosing water-efficient appliances carrying ISI/BEE certification to reduce consumption. Even small savings at an individual level will collectively lead to substantial reductions.
Saying no to bottled water which puts immense strain on local water resources through extraction and transport. Installing water filters instead.
Choosing drought resistant landscaping for lawns and gardens requiring less watering. Indigenous plants adapted to local climate should be preferred.
Reporting water leaks, illegal extraction or wastage to concerned authorities. Together we must work towards eliminating losses from the supply system.
Spreading awareness about water issues and solutions through everyday discourses. Positive behavior change at mass scale is imperative for addressing the crisis.
Supporting afforestation drives. More trees increase infiltration, prevent surface run-off and help recharge the water table.
Role of Industry, Agriculture and Governments:
While individual efforts are critical, larger institutional changes are equally important for augmenting water supplies and security. Some pathways to be adopted are:
Industries need to minimize water footprint through recycling & reusing treated wastewater within premises. Stringent regulations can mandate use of closed loop systems.
Agriculture sector which consumes bulk of available water, must shift to sprinkler and drip irrigation techniques delivering water directly to roots. Micro-irrigation has proven water savings of ~50%.
Governments must strengthen and expand water supply infrastructure, plug leakages, ensure equitable distribution particularly in rural areas still facing scarcity. Community participation is key.
Artificial groundwater recharge structures like check dams, percolation tanks must be built on priority in over-exploited regions to improve groundwater levels.
Comprehensive river interlinking projects hold promise but environmental, social impacts need thorough evaluation before implementation.
Water pricing is essential to discourage wasteful usage and generate resources for conservation works. Subsidies could be linked to adoption of efficient practices.
Strong pollution control action is a must against industries, urban local bodies failing to treat sewage. River rejuvenation plans must be expedited.
Conclusion:
In the face of climate change impacts and rising demands, chances of severe water crises loom ahead if urgent action is not taken. Our survival depends on water and conserving this precious natural gift must be our utmost priority. Collective efforts from individuals, industry, agriculture and proactive government policies can surely help overcome water scarcity challenges to some extent if focused on imbibing the values of sustainable usage. With enlightened water stewardship and management, we can secure our long term water future for generations to come.
Andrew Stroud