Water Conservation Essay: This article on sustainable water management discusses various water conservation measures, traditional and modern water saving techniques, and the effects of climate change.
Introduction to Water Conservation Essay:
Do you know? How much potable water is there on earth? You may be surprised to know that out of the total 100% water, only 3% water is potable. Most of this water is frozen in the form of ice and only 0.6% water is available to us in the form of rivers, lakes, ponds and groundwater. I would like to say further that today rivers, ponds and groundwater are also getting polluted. In such a situation, where is the potable water left with us, you think about it. We call water life but do not respect it and water conservation will not happen just by saying it.
Today, due to increasing population, urbanization and industrialization, the water crisis has taken a serious form. Potable water is continuously decreasing and millions of people around the world are struggling with the lack of clean drinking water. Needless to say, the climate change problem is further strengthening this crisis. Water conservation is the only solution to this terrible water crisis and there is no other way.
Today, many effective techniques of water conservation have been developed at the global level. We need to adopt these techniques. Some of these techniques have been prevalent since ancient times and some have been developed in the present times. Such as Rainwater Harvesting, Drip Irrigation and Water Recycling etc. are the main ones. These techniques help in using water resources efficiently and ensuring water storage for the future. In this article, apart from these techniques, we have tried to discuss in detail various other techniques and aspects of water conservation.
Historical Perspective of Water Conservation:
Water conservation is not a new concept but it has been an integral part of our lives since ancient times. Various traditional techniques of water conservation have been developed not only in India but all over the world. In India, areas with low rainfall such as Rajasthan and Gujarat used to build stepwells and pools. Regarding the importance of these local water conservation, Mausmi Rastogi and her team write that “local knowledge and environmental conditions have been helpful in harnessing and conserving water for agricultural purposes for centuries. One of the most prominent traditional methods is the use of ‘tanks’, rainwater harvesting structures that have been commonly prevalent in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan.” (Mausmi Rastogi and team 2024)
There is no dearth of such advanced water conservation techniques in India. If you study Bihar in this context, you will find that “Another notable practice is the ‘Ahar-Pyne’ system in Bihar, which is an indigenous flood water harvesting method. Ahars are small reservoirs with embankments on three sides, while Pynes are canals that divert river water. In the southern state of Karnataka, ‘katta’ or temporary check dams are built across rivers to prevent water from flowing in. Similarly, in the Northeast region, especially in states like Meghalaya, living root bridges, an amalgamation of traditional knowledge and nature, serve as a unique method of water conservation and management.” (Subba JR. 2009)
Not only this, the construction of check dams and tank systems in South India, lakes and ponds etc. in North and Central India are the result of the ancient concept of water conservation. Not only this, outside India also, Roman aqueducts in Rome, fog capturing system in Chile and Peru, Zaydi system in Africa etc. were widely used techniques of water conservation but today modern man has put all these techniques on hold and as a result, today we are facing a water crisis. We need to revive these traditional systems with modern techniques.
Need for Water Conservation:
There is no need to explain much about the need for water conservation because life is not possible without water. If water gets polluted or there is a shortage of clean water, then we will face so many challenges that it will not be possible to count them. Therefore, we need water conservation to face the following challenges.
Effect of Climate Change:
There should be no need to inform anyone about the need for water conservation because when we know that water is life, then everyone knows what is the need to protect life and why it happens. Still, some facts can be analyzed in this context. Today the world is facing various challenges of climate change and decreasing water level. Due to climate change, the pattern of rainfall has changed. As a result, there is irregular rainfall. Like excessive rainfall at some places and drought at others. Excessive rainfall at some places in a short period of time due to which floods, floods cause many problems. Where there used to be less rainfall, the same area has started receiving more rainfall. Where there used to be more rainfall, that area is facing drought. In the past, there used to be light rainfall for a week or so due to which rainwater would seep into the ground and improve the groundwater level. But now it is not so, there is excessive rainfall in a short time due to which rainwater flows away. It does not become groundwater, hence a water crisis arises. Climate change has many such negative effects on our water availability. Therefore, there is an extreme need to conserve water today.
Social, economic and environmental effects of water crisis:
If there is a shortage of water in an area, then people start migrating from there because life is not possible without water. In this context, it has been seen that people are migrating from many areas due to the water crisis. Water crisis also has a negative impact on agriculture and industries. Agriculture cannot be done without water and water is also required for industry, but if water is not available or is polluted, then how will these areas develop? Singh G, Jindal T, Patel N, Dubey SK, considering the wide-ranging effects of the water crisis in India. A. writes that “the growing global water crisis makes it clear that it has a profound impact on agriculture, especially in countries like India. India’s agriculture sector is the largest consumer of water globally and is facing significant challenges due to declining water resources, which are further aggravated by climate change. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), India ranks 13th among the 17 ‘extremely water-stressed’ countries in the world, indicating a serious imbalance between water demand and supply.” (Singh G, Jindal T, Patel N, Dubey SK. A. 2022.) When there is no water in rivers and ponds or it is polluted, then the pressure on groundwater sources increases and water sources start getting overexploited. As a result, biodiversity is also negatively affected. Role of water conservation in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Water is so important for us that most of the sustainable development goals we have set can be achieved only by conserving water. Clean water and sanitation have been included as a major goal in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6). When clean water is available, people will fall ill less, which will achieve the goal of health. If there is development in agriculture, industry and service sector due to water, then the goal of dignified life will be achieved. Needless to say, water is directly or indirectly linked to all the sustainable development goals. From this point of view, water conservation is very important.
Key Techniques of Water Conservation:
There is no doubt that even today Indian agriculture is far away from modern technologies. The farmers of India are still not free from debt and their financial condition does not allow them to adopt heavy-cost agricultural techniques. Nevertheless, wherever some technology is being used, positive changes are being seen in agriculture. In this context, Mausmi Rastogi and her team write that “In the field of Indian agriculture, technology and innovation play an important role in increasing productivity, efficiency and sustainability. As India is facing the challenges of increasing population, depleting natural resources and climate change, it has become very important to adopt advanced technologies. Technologies related to the use of sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) in water management, data-driven approach and search for innovative solutions are entering the agricultural sector. As a result, the Indian agricultural landscape is changing.” (Mausmi Rastogi and team 2024)
Rainwater Harvesting:
This technique of rainwater harvesting has been traditionally practiced since ancient times. It is not a special technique but it is a process in which rainwater is collected and preserved in various ways. Such as Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting, that is, we can store rainwater by making a tank under our house or around the house. That water can be used in animal husbandry and other household works. In this context, Dabdoob RM, Kassim PJ. write that “These tanks are small tanks, often built in the courtyards of houses, and are used to collect and store rainwater for drinking and irrigation purposes.” (Dabdoob RM, Kassim PJ. 2019)
Groundwater recharge is a process that provides strength to groundwater. Under this process, rainwater can be stopped by making check dams and small pits at various places so that the water seeps slowly into the ground. Many such processes are still prevalent today. These processes increase the availability of water and help in maintaining the groundwater level.
Sprinkler and Drip Irrigation:
We can call these processes micro-irrigation techniques. These techniques are used for irrigation in agriculture. These techniques prevent wastage of water and irrigate with great efficiency. Sprinkler technology irrigates in the same way as rainwater. In the context of sprinkler irrigation, Chávez C. and his team write that “Sprinkler systems, another technological advancement, have also gained popularity in India. These systems simulate rainfall and are particularly useful in uneven terrain where traditional irrigation methods are impractical. Sprinklers distribute water more evenly and can lead to significant water savings compared to surface irrigation methods.” (Chavez C. and team 2020)
Similarly, drip irrigation technology drips water drop by drop on the roots of the plants. In which water reaches the roots of the plants directly. “Drip irrigation is one of the most important advancements that symbolize efficient water use in agriculture. In drip irrigation, water is delivered directly to the roots of the plants in a slow and steady manner, thereby minimizing evaporation and ensuring that the plants receive water and nutrients in the most efficient manner.” (Jarwar AH. and team 2019)
The major components of this technology include pipes and drippers and filters and pressure regulators. These technologies have extensive benefits such as saving water and increasing plant productivity.
Water Recycling:
Water is a resource that we can use more than once. For example, we can reuse bathing water for plants, water used for washing vegetables or utensils can be used to make fertilizer. This means that we can reuse water in many areas such as domestic use, industrial use, agricultural irrigation, etc. We can reuse water by treating it for various purposes. Needless to say, if we reuse water, we can get many benefits like increased water availability and reduction in water pollution.
Latest Innovations of Water Conservation:
When the world community is developing new technologies in every field, how can it stay behind in the direction of water conservation? Today, many technologies of water conservation are being developed. Technologies such as smart irrigation system, AI and IoT based water management and use of robotics and sensors to save water will not only conserve water for today but will also save water for future generations.
When the latest technologies are used in agricultural work, it is called smart agriculture. Matteoli F, Schnetzer J, Jacobs H. on Climate Smart Agriculture write that “The concept of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has gained significant momentum in India as a means to address the dual challenges of climate change and food security. In a country where a large part of the population depends on agriculture for its livelihood, the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity is a serious concern. CSA aims to sustainably increase agricultural productivity, build adaptation and resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions where possible.” (Matteoli F, Schnetzer J, Jacobs H. 2020) Within this framework, emphasis is placed on a number of practices, including weather forecasting and climate modeling, development and use of resilient crop varieties, and integrated pest and nutrient management.
Water Conservation Policies and Regulations:
Efforts are being made by almost all governments globally for water conservation. In this direction, the Government of India is also running government schemes in India such as Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana etc. International water conservation policies have also been made at the international level.
Community Participation in Water Conservation:
This process of water conservation is the most effective and successful. If a village panchayat decides that we have to make every possible effort during the rainy season, then that village panchayat can become green in a few years. There are many examples of water management at the village level, which have been successful. If we also involve the younger generation in this type of community program, then the chances of the program’s success increase further. Reflecting on the role of local communities in water conservation, Hu XJ, and his team, citing the example of China, write that “Involving local communities is important for the success and sustainability of water management strategies. Community-based approaches ensure that solutions are locally relevant and widely accepted. Farmer cooperatives and water user associations play an important role in promoting participatory water management. These organizations empower farmers to collectively manage water resources, make decisions about water allocation, and implement water-saving technologies.” (Hu XJ. 2014) Hence community participation can prove to be a revolutionary step towards water conservation.
Possibilities of water crisis in future:
Today water related disputes are increasing at global level. Not only this, in India also disputes of river waters like Kaveri, Godavari and Narmada are still being resolved. But when we think about the possible future water crisis, this crisis can take an even more horrific form. If we look at today’s time, we have to drink water at the rate of twenty rupees per liter. No river, drain, pond, lake, even the waterfalls in the forests are clean. There is very little drinking water anywhere. If this trend continues, then what will happen to the common people in the coming times. Those who have money can survive for one or two generations by buying water but where will the poor go? Water borne diseases will increase, people will die due to lack of water. Needless to say, the future of the water crisis is horrific.
Economic and Social Benefits of Water Conservation:
Water conservation directly and indirectly affects the social, cultural and economic sectors positively. The use of various water conservation techniques saves water in the agricultural sector and provides economic benefits to the farmers. Adoption of modern irrigation techniques increases agricultural productivity and also ensures food security of the country. If water is clean, water-borne diseases will be reduced. The national health index will improve and when health is good, a person will use his work force properly and ultimately the country will move forward in the direction of development.
Water Conservation at Individual Level:
Water conservation is not only a need of today’s time but also a compulsion. We have to start water conservation from the individual level. These individual measures start from our home. There are various ways of water conservation in our homes which we need to adopt.
Ways to save water at home: We should pay special attention to water leakage in our kitchen and bathroom. If water is being wasted anywhere, get it fixed immediately. Do you know, a single dripping drop wastes fifty liters of water in twenty-four hours. We should give priority to taps and showers that use less water. Toilet flush should be used properly. While washing utensils, the tap should be closed instead of running it continuously. The water used to wash vegetables and fruits should be reused for growing plants and vegetables. Special care should be taken to conserve water while washing clothes. We can use drip technology for water conservation in the garden and lawn. Plants and vegetables that require less water should be given priority. Collect rainwater as much as possible or you can use it in the garden by installing a rainwater harvesting system on the roof.
Waterless technologies:
We can use such systems for water conservation, which can use less water, such as composting toilets, vacuum toilets, dry car wash, waterless hand sanitizers, use of aeroponics and hydroponics techniques and dry cooling systems, etc. Many progressive technologies have been developed. Which we can adopt. Along with these measures, we can also use various devices that increase water efficiency. Such as smart taps and showers, sensor-based taps, aerator taps, water-conserving toilet systems, dual flush toilets, vacuum-based flushing systems, adopting rainwater harvesting systems from roofs and smart water meters and recycling systems, etc.
Education and awareness:
Everyone knows that water is very important for us, yet we are not aware about water conservation. Therefore, we should run education and water conservation campaigns. People should be explained the importance of water and the benefits of conservation. In the context of making farmers aware of agricultural practices and agricultural irrigation, Yadav RA, Malik KK. write that “Education and awareness are important components for promoting a culture of water conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Training programs for farmers are essential to equip them with the knowledge and skills required for effective water management. These programs, which are often conducted by government agencies, research institutes, and NGOs, cover a range of topics including efficient irrigation techniques, soil health management, and climate-smart agriculture. Public awareness campaigns and educational outreach activities through Kisan Field Schools help create widespread awareness about the importance of water conservation. Initiatives such as the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan’ and ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign by the Government of India aim to engage citizens in water conservation efforts, highlighting the role of each individual in protecting water resources.” (Yadav RA, Malik KK. 2023) Needless to say, we should make every possible effort to conserve water.
Conclusion:
The findings in the context of water conservation suggest that interlinked water conservation activities combined with technological innovations and active community engagement can contribute significantly to reducing water wastage and conservation. Water conservation requires a holistic approach. If we use modern technologies along with mass awareness campaigns, society can not only address current water challenges but also leave safe water for future generations. This article highlights the importance of collaborative action in conserving water resources to maintain ecological balance and support sustainable development.
References:
- Chávez C, Limón- Jiménez I, Espinoza- Alcántara B, López-Hernández JA, Bárcenas- Ferruzca E, Trejo- Alonso J. (2020). Water -use efficiency and productivity improvements in surface irrigation systems. Agronomy. 2020;10(11): 1759.
- Dabdoob RM, Kassim PJ. (2019). Evaluation of rainwater harvesting system with shared built tank in housing development in tropical climate. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology. 2019;8(07):969-973
- Hu XJ, Xiong YC, Li YJ, Wang JX, Li FM, Wang HY, Li LL. Integrated water resources management and water users’ associations in the arid region of northwest China: A case study of farmers’ perceptions. Journal of Environmental Management. 2014;145:162-169
- Jarwar AH, Wang X, Long Wang LZ, Zhaoyang Q, Mangi N, Pengjia B, Shuli F. (2019). Performance and evaluation of drip irrigation system, and its future advantages. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare. 2019;9
- Matteoli F, Schnetzer J, Jacobs H. (2020). Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): An integrated approach for climate change management in the agriculture sector. Handbook of climate change management: Research, Leadership, Transformation. 2020;1- 29
- Mausmi Rastogi, Shruti Malikarjun Kalur, Ananad Burud, Aashu Rajput. (2024). Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International. Volume, 28, Issue 3, Page 43, Article no.JGEESI.113242 ISSN: 2454-7352 DOI: 10.9734/jgeesi/2024/v28i3755
- Singh G, Jindal T, Patel N, Dubey SK. A. (2022). coherent review on approaches, causes and sources of river water pollution: An Indian Perspective. In Soil-water, agriculture, and climate change: Exploring linkages. Cham: Springer International Publishing. 2022;247-271.
- Subba JR. (2009). Ingenious agricultural heritage systems and sustainable agricultural ecosystems management in Sikkim. Biocultural diversity & sustainable development in North East India: Status, Vision & Challenges. 2009;86
- Yadav RA, Malik KK. Environmental communication and water management in India: A civil society perspective. Taylor & Francis; 2023
