Hello Homo Sapiens!
Are we all ready to rise to this week's challenge? Water conservation remains a colossal challenge that we have yet to surmount. You might wonder why it precedes other environmental issues like reducing our carbon footprint. But let me ask you this - what exactly is water? If you were to answer, you'd probably say it's the clear liquid we drink daily. While that's not incorrect, it overlooks the most crucial aspect.
Water is life.
It is common knowledge that water is essential for the survival of all living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. It is worth noting that we can only survive without water for 3 to 7 days!
Despite the abundance of water on Earth, only 2% of it is fresh water while 97% is salt water. This 2% is the primary source of water that people worldwide use every day for drinking, industrial purposes, and more. Can you imagine the consequences if this limited amount of water becomes scarce someday? The answer is quite simple - life on Earth will inevitably start to decline.
This is why we need to conserve water. Water conservation is a method to sustainably manage our water resources in a way that can prevent water scarcity for future generations.
Many areas of the world are already living in water-stressed conditions. In fact, according to the United Nations, by 2030, global water demand is projected to exceed supply by 40%.
This staggering statistic highlights the urgency of taking immediate action towards water conservation to ensure the availability of this vital resource for the years to come.
Let's first analyze the connection between climate and its impact on water resources.
Climate change is expected to lead to an increase in the demand for water while simultaneously reducing water supplies in many areas of the world. This is particularly true for mountainous and cold-weather regions where people rely heavily on snowpack for various purposes including drinking water and agriculture.
Pakistan is one such country where climate change affects water resources by altering the behavior of glaciers, rainfall patterns, greenhouse gas emissions, and extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. In the past, Pakistan has witnessed severe floods in several years including 1950, 1956, 1957, 1973, 1976, 1978, 1988, 1992, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
But despite its harsh consequences, we still have a chance to beat this overgrowing monster known as Water Shortage. We can take the first step starting from our home.
Here are ten ways to save water at home:
1. Fix Leaks: Leaks are a common source of wasted water. Regularly check for leaks in your faucets, pipes, and toilets, and fix them promptly.
2. Install Low-Flow Fixtures: Low-flow fixtures like showerheads, faucets, and toilets can help you conserve water and reduce your water bill.
3. Take Shorter Showers: Reducing your shower time by just a few minutes can save a significant amount of water.
4. Turn Off the Tap: Don't let the water run unnecessarily while brushing your teeth or washing your face.
5. Use a Dishwasher: Using a dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand can save a lot of water.
6. Only Run Full Loads: Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when full to save water.
7. Reuse Water: You can reuse water from cooking, washing vegetables, or even from old bottles and glasses to water your plants.
8. Water Plants in the Morning or Evening: Water your plants in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation and save water.
9. Use a Broom: Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway, patio, or sidewalk.
10. Collect Rainwater: Collecting rainwater in a barrel or container can help you conserve water and provide a free source of water for your plants.
By putting in a little effort every day, and by following these steps, my team members and I believe that we will be able to bring about a change in the critical situations of our world.
Before I go, here is an interesting fact about the efforts being made to decrease wastage and increase the conservation of water.
Trivia Tidbit:
In areas such as the Thar desert, many storage areas for water are being made to save them in the case of an extreme drought. They are called "hafirs" or "thallas" in the local language. These are closed and make use of groundwater. Not only that, but they have certain systems to stop the contamination and evaporation of this imperative resource.
So, to end off this blog with the quote of a great mind:
“When the well is dry, do we know the worth of water.” - Benjamin Franklin
Peace out!
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