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WATER CONSERVATION: STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS

Article · January 2016

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 IJARR, 1(4), 2016; 75-79

International Journal of Advanced Research and Review

www.ijarr.in

WATER CONSERVATION: STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS

Mamta Kumari*1 and Jagdeep Singh2

1
Asstt. Prof., Polytechnic in Home Science, Junagadh Agricultural University, Keriya Road, Amreli, Gujarat-
365601; Email:[email protected]
2
PhD Scholar, Faculty of Management, Pacific Academy of Higher Education & Research, Udaipur; Email:
[email protected]
___________________________________________________________________________________________
ABSTRACT
India has 16% of the world’s population and only 4% of the world’s water resources, which are
depleting rapidly. The demand for water is expected to grow from 40 billion cubic metres
(bcm) currently to around 220 bcm in 2025. Water is one of the most important inputs essential
for crops. Both it’s shortage and excess affects the growth and development of the plants,
yields and quality of produce. There are numerous methods to reduce such losses and to
improve soil moisture. These are mulching, cropping, planting of trees, utilization of fog or
dew by net-surfacing traps or polythene sheets, contour farming, transfer of water from surplus
areas to deficit areas by inter-linking water systems through canals, desalination technologies
such as distillation, electro-dialysis and reverse osmosis, use of efficient watering systems such
as drip irrigation and sprinklers will reduce the water consumption by plants. The most
important step in the direction of finding solutions to issues of water and environmental
conservation is to change people's attitudes and habits; this includes each one of us.
____________________________________________________________________________
Keywords: Water, conservation, technology, Rainwater-harvest, drip-irrigation.

INTRODUCTION

Water, Paani, Jal, Tanni, L’eau, Wasser, Acqua perhaps the most familiar and widely used
word in the world. Water needs no introduction, the importance of this is known to one and all.
However, despite water being the basic human need, this precious resource is being wasted,
polluted and getting depleted. Every drop of water is precious but we continue to waste it like it
is a free natural commodity. 98% of water on this planet is salty and is not fit for human
consumption. Out of the 2% of fresh water reserves, 1% is locked up in form of ice in various
regions around the world. Hence, only 1% of total water reserves are available for our domestic
& industrial use. Many cities in India and around the world are already facing sever water
shortages due to reduced rainfall, man-made climatic changes, reduction in ground water
levels, population explosion, industrialization and staggering amount of water wastages
because of negligence by users & dilapidated water supply systems. The importance of water in
a country’s economic growth should not be undermined.

Water pollution, unavailability of drinking water, inadequate sanitation, open dumping of

wastes, loss of forest cover are some of the problems faced by many parts of India. Heavy toll
of infant mortality due to water borne diseases, the daily struggle for procuring water,
mismanagement of waste water, improper sanitation are common features and are leading to
serious consequences on human health and the economy of the country. The situation demands
immediate intervention in the management of these rapidly growing problems, especially
through an integrated approach for water, sanitation and related issues.

WATER CONSERVATION

Water conservation can be defined as:

1. Any beneficial deduction in water loss, use, or waste.
2. A reduction in water use accomplished by implementation of water conservation or water
efficiency measures; or,
3. Improved water management practices that reduce or enhance the beneficial use of water a
water conservation measure is an action, behavioral change, device, technology, or
improved design or process implemented to reduce water loss, waste, or use. Water
efficiency is a tool of water conservation. That results in more efficient water use and thus
reduces water demand. The value and cost-effectiveness of a water efficiency measure must
be evaluated in relation to its effects on the use and cost of other natural resources.(e.g.
energy or chemicals)1

GOALS
The goals of water conservation efforts include:
 Sustainability- To ensure availability for future generations, the withdrawal of fresh
water from an ecosystem should not exceed its natural replacement rate.
 Energy conservation- Water pumping, delivery, and wastewater treatment facilities
consume a significant amount of energy. In some regions (e.g. California2) of the world
over 15% of total electricity consumption is devoted to water management
 Habitat conservation- Minimizing human water use helps to preserve fresh water
habitats for local wildlife and migrating waterfowl, as well as reducing the need to build
new dams and other water diversion infrastructure.

CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES

Process of conservation may be synonymous of preservation against loss or waste. Briefly

stated it means putting the water resources of the country for the best beneficial use with all the
technologies at our command. Water conservation basically aims at matching demand and
supply. The strategies for water conservation may be demand oriented or supply oriented
and/or management oriented. The strategies may vary depending upon the field of water use,
domestic, irrigation or industrial use.

1) Rainwater harvesting- Rainwater harvesting essentially means collecting rainwater on the

roofs of building and storing it underground for later use. Not only does this recharging arrest
groundwater depletion, it also raises the declining water table and can help augment water
supply. Rainwater harvesting and artificial recharging are becoming very important issues. It is
essential to stop the decline in groundwater levels, arrest seawater ingress, i.e. prevent seawater
from moving landward, and conserve surface water run-off during the rainy season3.

Advantages
1. Provides self-sufficiency to water supply
2. Reduces the cost for pumping of ground water
3. Provides high quality water, soft and low in minerals
4. Improves the quality of ground water through dilution when recharged
5. Reduces soil erosion & flooding in urban areas
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6. The rooftop rainwater harvesting is less expensive & easy to construct, operate and
maintain. In desert, RWH only relief.
7. In saline or coastal areas & Islands, rainwater provides good quality water

2) Better Irrigation Practices- Conservation of water in the agricultural sector is essential

since water is necessary for the growth of plants and crops. A depleting water table and a rise
in salinity due to overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has made matters serious.
Various methods of water harvesting and recharging have been and are being applied all over
the world to tackle the problem. In areas where rainfall is low and water is scarce, the local
people have used simple techniques that are suited to their region and reduce the demand for
water.

For crop irrigation, optimal water efficiency means minimizing losses due to evaporation,
runoff or subsurface drainage. An evaporation pan can be used to determine how much water is
required to irrigate the land. Flood irrigation, the oldest and most common type, is often very
uneven in distribution, as parts of a field may receive excess water in order to deliver sufficient
quantities to other parts. Overhead irrigation, using center-pivot or lateral-moving sprinklers,
gives a much more equal and controlled distribution pattern. Drip irrigation is the most
expensive and least-used type, but offers the best results in delivering water to plant roots with
minimal losses4.

3) Use of Saline Water for Irrigation- Saline water is widely available but rarely used for
agriculture because it restricts plant growth and yield. Salt resistant varieties of crops have also
been developed in recent times.

4) Mulching, i.e., the application of organic or inorganic material such as plant debris,
compost, etc., slows down the surface run-off, improves the soil moisture, reduces evaporation
losses and improves soil fertility.

5) Fog and dew contain substantial amounts of water that can be used directly by adapted plant
species. Artificial surfaces such as netting-surfaced traps or polyethylene sheets can be exposed
to fog and dew. The resulting water can be used for crops.

6) Contour farming is adopted in hilly areas and in lowland areas for paddy fields. Farmers
recognize the efficiency of contour-based systems for conserving soil and water.

7) Tippy Tap for water conservation: - Tippy Tap is a simple device which dispenses a
limited amount of water slowly and facilitates a thorough hand wash. In case of piped water
supply, every time the tap is opened for a hand wash, an average of 300 - 500 ml of water is
utilized. Using Tippy Tap it is possible to have a good hand wash with only 60 to 80 ml of
water

8) Propagation of Dry Garden / Eco Lawns- As a step towards water conservation and
propagation of native plant species, drought resistant plantation (plants requiring less water)
should be carried out.

9) Soak pit construction- Water run offs and water logging are combated by constructing soak
pits near water points like hand pumps. This is a sanitation measure and also helps in recharge
of ground water.

77
10) Tree plantation in water catchments area/riverbanks and clean-up drives near water bodies
are some of the other initiatives taken up to preserve our water resources.

11) Desalination- To augment the depletion of fresh water resources in coastal areas due to
excessive abstraction, desalination like distillation, electro-dialysis and reverse osmosis are
available. Selection and use of these processes is site specific.

12) Long Distance Transfer of Water- Transfer of water from surplus basins by creating
storage at appropriate locations and inter-linking various systems is yet another strategy for
increasing the benefits considerably5.

MEASURES OF WATER CONSERVATION

Water conservation measures in industries should include: (i) review of alternate production
processes and technologies from water consumption point of view; (ii) ensuring sound plant
maintenance practices and good house keeping, minimizing spills and leaks; and (iii)
optimization of treatment to achieve maximum recycling. Another established technique for
maximum water recovery is the water pinch analysis technique. However, this technique only
focuses on maximizing freshwater and wastewater reduction via reuse and regeneration6.

WHAT WE CAN DO TO CONSERVE WATER?

 Use only as much water as you require. Close the taps well after use. While brushing or
other use, do not leave the tap running, and open it only when you require it. See that
there are no leaking taps.
 Use a washing machine that does not consume too much water. Do not leave the taps
running while washing dishes and clothes.
 Install small showerheads to reduce the flow of the water. Water in which the
vegetables & fruits have been washed - use to water the flowers & plants.
 At the end of the day if you have water left in your water bottle do not throw it away,
pour it over some plants.
 Re-use water as much as possible
 Change in attitude & habits for water conservation
 Every drop counts!

IMPROVE WATER MANAGEMENT

 The close link between forests and water, and the traditional relationship between
agriculture and water, need to be recognized and protected to ensure sustained
productivity.
 National water management policies should take account of the impact of trade in
water-intensive goods on water availability and ecosystems integrity. For example, in
water scarce regions, people should grow crops with low water requirements, or of high
value compared to the water used. Options for improving the water balance by
importing water intensive goods from water-rich regions should be explored, where
appropriate and cost-effective.
 The potential of rainwater harvesting for augmenting rural and urban water supply is
increasingly becoming recognized. This alternative should be further explored and
utilized.
 Proper water pricing must be an integral part of water policies. However, care must be
taken to ensure that the poor and socially disadvantaged are not denied access.
Moreover, there must be adequate monitoring and control of market mechanisms.

78
  It is necessary to study and analyze the impacts of subsidies (on water, energy, and
other relevant inputs) on water use. Subsidies that inhibit water use efficiency or cause
negative effects on the environment should be reduced.
 Our traditional water management approaches and systems were both sustainable and
accountable. These need to revived and invigorated. Policies must recognize and build
on these.
 Principles of reuse and recycling of water resources must be incorporated into water
management plans and strategies. There must be incentives for water conservation7.

PUBLIC EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

 Public awareness and education on the importance of protection of the coastal and
ocean environment helps to meet social and economic needs and aspirations of the
country in the long run.
 Awareness campaigns on existing regulations for management of coastal areas need to
be conducted. Education and communication material on the need for conservation and
protection of rare and endangered species need to be developed.
 Research findings on marine resources, their development and management have to be
demystified. The educational and communication material targeted at the public has to
be developed in local languages.
 Opportunities for interactions between communities, policy makers, regulating
agencies, NGOs, scientists, etc. need to be increased.
 Appropriate strategies and decision making tools that would enhance the capabilities of
professionals, Government, and non government organizations to take up local and
community level action programmes need to be developed8.

CONCLUSION

Water problems will not go away by themselves. On the contrary, they will worsen unless we,
as a global community, respond and use water responsibly. So, before it is too late, let us all, as
individuals, families, communities, companies & institutions, pledge towards using water
wisely. Intelligence is not in lavishness but in conservation, so that our future generations can
continue to enjoy the blissful feeling and touch of water.

REFERENCES
1) Das, M. 2007. Clean India action for water, www.google.com
2) California Energy Commission, California's Water-Energy Relationship (November 2005),
p.8
3) www.ci.tucson.az.us/water/tsnwtr/conserve/outdoor/harvest.htm
4) Vickers, A., 2002. Water Use and Conservation. Amherst, MA: Water Plow Press. p. 434.
ISBN 1-931579-07-5.
5) Environment & water India, 2000. 3rd Annual International Exhibition, Conference.
6) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2002. Cases in Water Conservation. (Report).
Retrieved on 2010-02-02. Document No. EPA-832-B-02-003.
7) Geerts, S., Raes, D., 2009. Deficit irrigation as an on-farm strategy to maximize crop water
productivity in dry areas. Agric. Water Manage. 96, 1275-1284.
8) Water - Use It Wisely. U.S. multi-city public outreach program. Park & Co., Phoenix, AZ.
Accessed 2010-02-02.

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