Wastage of water

People waste water in their homes without even realising it. We have become so accustomed to have a 24-hour supply of water that we sometimes forget that we do not have an infinite supply of water. We must also learn how to save our water supply.

In some countries, both ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ ones, strict monitoring of water usage is a way of life and the watering of lawns and gardens routinely is banned in times of shortage. It is quite feasible to install state-of-the-art recycling systems by which all household water, including sewage water, is rendered fit for garden and lawn use. Larger versions of the same systems should also be installed at schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and in all other buildings, including businesses where large volumes of water are used on a daily basis. The water thus collected, if the particular building does not have its own lawns or gardens on which to utilise it, could then be ‘harvested’ by specially designated tankers or specifically designed pipelines to be used for cultivation purposes elsewhere. Such a system, especially if linked to rainwater harvesting systems, would go to an incredibly long way to ensuring that the countries’ citizens never have to live with the worry of taps running dry.

There are numerous ways you can save water. You can purchase water efficient products and install them. This means you can fix and forget. You can install the product, and you don’t have to alter your behaviour in anyway. However, there are also things that you can do for free which save water.

Turn the tap off when you brush your teeth – a running tap wastes 6 litres of water a minute. Though the shower may be more fashionable and convenient, bathing with a bucket is truly a great way to save water.

FAYEZA ANUM

Lahore