World Water Day is celebrated on the 22^nd of March of every year. While water is an important topic for all the 365 days in a year, every year the United Nations celebrates this day as the World Water Day and makes an attempt to focus on the importance of fresh water. On this day every year the UN Water world Development report is released focusing on the state of water and the recommendations for policies and enforcement across the globe. This campaign also reaches the masses and addresses these serious topics including conservation of water, raising awareness and informing decision-making across the world. While this is officiated on a particular day of the year, it may be noted that this needs to be addressed by all of us in a very conscious way and not make the theme look like a corporate topic for some other organizations.

The crisis of water : In simple terms , agriculture which accounts for almost 72% of Fresh water is supposed to feed a global population of almost 10 billion by 2050, and the agricultural production needs to grow by almost 50% of what is the current output. Today access to fresh water is a problem for 3 billion people.  Unless all of us come together and take small steps and implement responsible governance – we have a difficult future for the next generations. This blog should be used as a reminder to help you take every small step that is possible to help control the wastage of water. Take some of the steps below starting today and help change the world for all of us.

Taps should be turned off: It’s all in the habit. Turn off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes to avoid unnecessary water wastage. Use a basin or plug the sink to collect water for rinsing and reuse.

Fix water Leakages at home: Regularly check for leaks in plumbing fixtures toilets, and pipes, and repair them promptly. Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water over time.

Install Water-Efficient products at home: Replace old and inefficient shower heads, and toilets with water-saving models. Look for products labeled with the Water Sense or equivalent certification, which indicates they meet water efficiency standards.

Take Shorter Showers: Limit your shower time to conserve water. Use a tub instead. Do think of installing a shower timer or using a low-flow showerhead to reduce water usage while still maintaining adequate water pressure.

Rainwater reservation: Install a rain barrel or rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater from rooftops for outdoor use, such as watering plants, gardens, or washing cars. This reduces the demand for treated tap water and conserves valuable freshwater resources.

Water Plants Wisely: Water outdoor plants and gardens in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation. Use the right pipes to water only the roots and avoid wastage

Mulch and Compost: Apply mulch to garden beds to retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering. Composting organic matter improves soil structure and water retention, reducing the need for irrigation.

Choose Water-Efficient Appliances: When purchasing new appliances, choose water-efficient models that are ENERGY STAR certified. This includes washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters, which can significantly reduce water consumption over time.

Reuse Greywater: Collect and reuse greywater from sinks, showers, and washing machines for flushing toilets or watering non-edible plants. Install a greywater recycling system or manually collect greywater for reuse in your home or garden.

Educate and Raise Awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of water conservation among family, friends, and community members. Share tips, resources, and success stories to inspire others to adopt water-saving habits and practices.

Advocate for Policy Changes: Support policies and initiatives that promote water conservation, sustainable water management, and investment in water infrastructure. Advocate for responsible water governance and equitable access to water resources at local, national, and global levels.

By implementing these steps and fostering a culture of water conservation, we can all contribute to preserving this precious resource for future generations and building a more sustainable and water-secure world.

Dr. Arijit Gupta

Associate Professor, DAITM