Importance of Water Conservation and Management:
Water as a resource: Freshwater is only three percent of the Earth’s water supply and only half a per cent of this 3% is available for human consumption according to UNICEF. Therefore we have a very limited supply of usable water. This supply comes from lakes, rivers, snow, and groundwater. Ocean Saltwater cannot be consumed, it needs desalination and which is a costly process. Hence, water conservation and management is the best available option that humans have, otherwise, we all have to face water shortage and crisis.
Water conservation and management reduce drought and its effects: Arid areas experience drought regularly, as these regions are prone to water crises. If these regions have sufficient water and soil moisture, then the arid regions face fewer droughts. Water Conservation and management will alleviate the effects of droughts in these regions particularly. Check dams, contours and boulder bunds are some of the water conservation measures.
Water Saves Money: As we know water is a limited and one of the most valuable resources on earth. It is required almost in all activities of daily life like cooking and washing. Water shortage makes the cost of water very high and which affects all sections of society. Through water conservation and management, excess spending on water can be saved. Educating the children regarding the judicious use of water is very essential for a better future.
Water conservation and management help in environmental preservation: Water is a critical component almost in all biogeochemical processes. It maintains the ecological balance and provides the sustenance of life to different levels of organisms such as primary organisms, secondary organisms, etc. Failure of biogeochemical cycles fails the survival of organisms. As per United Nations, water utilization has been increasing with more than 200% the rate of population growth in the last 100year. Around 1.8 billion people will be in water-scarce regions by 2025, whereas two-thirds population of the world will be in water-stressed areas.
Water conservation makes water available for recreational purposes: Freshwater resources help in beautifying our ambience. Water lawns, gardens, trees, swimming pools, flowers, golf courses, and public fountains add not only aesthetic value but are also good for tourism. According to Oxford Economics and WTTC, one job out of four jobs in the world is created in the Travel & Tourism sector i.e. about 10% of all global jobs (334 million) which accounts for around 10% of global GDP.
Agriculture production: Agricultural production needs water consumption in huge amounts. To feed billion of population and also livestock, require millions of gallons of water every day. According to Central Water Commission, around Eighty-five per cent of total freshwater water in India was utilized by the agricultural sector in 2000, as water is required in almost every stage of food preparation. For future food security, water must be conserved and managed properly. Through efficient use of water in agriculture, water conservation and management practices will follow.
Water conservation and management help in achieving the UN-SDG goal of Sanitation: Water is crucial for sanitation, hygiene, and waste management. Still, water is considered the most cost-effective component for the maintenance of hygiene and sanitation. According to UN-SDG, around 2.4 billion humans across the globe don’t have access to basic sanitation facilities like toilets/latrines. Through water conservation and management, sanitation facilities can be spread to people all over the world.
For global peace and geopolitical stability: It is said that if there will be 3rd world war, it would be due to the water crisis, as no country can compromise on water shortage and as most of the rivers and lakes have multi-country flowage, there would be high chances for water-induced war. If every country and person conserves and manages water properly, then this situation can be handled properly.
Water usage requires other resources: For in-house water supply, desalination for seawater, and cleaning of water require high inputs of energy. Production of this energy not only pollutes the environment but also creates energy shortages. Through water conservation and management, energy can be saved, the environment can be protected and global warming can be reduced....