Water Conservation

Did you know that 71 percent of Earth's surface is water- covered? And the source of the water is from the oceans?

Yet, we face severe drought year after year and water resources are being exploited! This is because the supply of clean and usable water is decreasing. Many organizations and NGOs have come forward to help those countries that face drought every year. Desalination plants, water recycling and water harvesting are just some of the few ways in which water can be conserved.

Desalination plants turn seawater into drinking water. Waste water gets treated three times and is then reused through water recycling. Water harvesting happens in places, where one can get water from underground or from the air. Warning to you little ones... this is not just for drought hit areas! This could happen to us soon, if we keep wasting water. Through simple steps you can ensure conservation of this precious resource for the future. Saving water should become part of your daily routine.

What you can do

• Never waste water. If you happen to see anyone wasting water, educate on the importance of water and its conservation. Be a role model to your friends/siblings.

• If watering plants, do it early in the morning or later in the evening after sunset. This will reduce evaporation.

• Rinse vegetables in a pot of water rather than running water. You can then use the water for watering plants too.

• Mulch* around plants to hold water in the soil.

• Make sure faucets and bathroom fixtures are of good quality. If you see a leak in a tap or faucet, tell your parents immediately.

• Turn off water while washing hands with soap and brushing teeth.

• Rain water harvesting will also help conserve water. Discuss with teachers and parents how this can be done and executed.

*Mulch is a layer of material applied to the surface of soil to conserve soil moisture and to improve fertility and health of the soil.

- Kaviya Sanjeevi