Water Conservation

A step to conserve water is the step to secure the future. The most essential among all the natural resources on earth is water. A drop of water is worth more than a sack of gold for the thirsty man.

Water Conservation

Water conservation can be defined as:

Any beneficial deduction in water loss, use, or waste
A reduction in water use accomplished by implementation of water conservation or water efficiency measures; or,
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).

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 of the world (for example, California [3]) 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.

Technical methods to conserve water:

Rainwater Harvesting:

Rainwater harvesting is the gathering and collection of water from the rooftop. The traditional method of rain water harvesting is the most effective and simple way to conserve the water. It means utilization of rain water for the domestic as well as agricultural purposes. There are three technical methods of rain water harvesting such as Catchment, Conveyance and storage.

Historical Water Bodies:

There are many traditional water bodies which have been in disuse for the longer time. These bodies can be reused as the recharging points.

Ponds:

Steps should be taken to avoid dumping of sewage into the village ponds. Efforts need to be made to deepen these ponds with the dragline machines. Garbage and other waste should not be dumped into the ponds.

Tips for Water Conservation

When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, and then reuse it to water houseplants.
Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
Wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn at the same time.
Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.
Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.
Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.