Water is the most important and valuable natural resource on Earth. It sustains all life. There is no life without water. Water is not only important for human beings but for the entire ecosystem. Without enough water, the existence of humans, as well as animals, is next to impossible. After fresh air, water is the second most important natural resource for the survival of any living being.
Water is necessary for the survival of each living creature on this planet, be it a small worm, plant, or full-grown tree. Animals and plants cannot survive without water. About 71% of Earth’s surface is covered with water. Unfortunately, only 3% of the water available is freshwater. About two-thirds of the freshwater lies in the form of frozen glaciers and ice caps. The rest of the small portion is available in the form of groundwater and surface water.
We totally depend on water for multiple purposes. Water is used in agriculture for the irrigation of crops. We use water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, bathing, and other domestic purposes. Water is used for recreational activities. In industries, water is used as a coolant, solvent and also used in other manufacturing purposes. Hydroelectricity is generated with the help of water. Water is also used for navigation and transportation of goods. This tells us how water is the most essential component of life and every drop of water is vital for sustenance. Therefore, water conservation is important to save life on this planet.
Importance of Water:
The basic use of water is drinking, bathing, agriculture, irrigation, hospitality, factories, etc.
Water helps in blood circulation and improves metabolism in the human body
The entire aquatic ecosystem is located in water. It is a home for all the aquatic animals
Water is a major source of transportation after land and air.
Water aids in saliva secretion and oxygen delivery to our bodily cells.
Some countries have abundant water resources for their residents and serve the people, whereas others lack natural resources even for survival.
Depletion of fresh water has become a threat to our existence. According to some scientists, the quantity and the quality of water are degrading day by day. Although Earth is covered with almost 71% of water, the quality is that we cannot use it in day-to-day life for domestic purposes. Water quality is so poor that people in some places are prone to several water-borne diseases such as Eluru, caused by contaminated water.
These instances are eye-opening examples and should be taken seriously for better living conditions for us and our future generation.
Below are the Reasons for Shortage of Fresh Water:
Growth of population leads to excessive consumption of water.
Daily excessive wastage of water.
The rapid growth of industries has increased the problem of proper disposal of waste material from them. The waste products from these industries contain extremely poisonous elements that are polluting the rivers and other water bodies.
Pesticides and chemical fertilisers that are used to treat crops also pollute the fresh water.
Sewage waste that is dumped into the rivers is making the water unsuitable for drinking and washing causing several water-borne diseases like cholera, jaundice and typhoid.
Use of plastics and disposing them carelessly in the water bodies are affecting aquatic life and further disturbing the entire ecosystem.
Global warming is another major reason for the scarcity of water on earth. According to several types of research, because of global warming, the world will face more stress for water scarcity till the year 2050.
We now need to be aware of the depletion of fresh water and take adequate measures to stop this.
Saving Water: Need of the Hour
Many places face extreme water scarcity due to extremely bad weather conditions, leading to less rainfall and groundwater depletion. In other parts of the world, groundwater is either unusable or overused. As the world's population is growing, so increase in industries and globalisation, causing groundwater to be overused and resulting in water scarcity.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) data shows that many people on this planet don't have access to clean and fresh drinking water. These situations are becoming worse day by day, and we need an immediate plan to control this situation. Various collective measures have to be taken by every individual on this planet and the government of every country to control water scarcity.
Government should impose some strict rules for the conservation of water. The government and the citizens have to take the initiative to create awareness and promote the “conservation of water.” One such initiative taken by the Modi government in India was “JANSHAKTI FOR JALSHAKTI.” This programme began as a means of working toward a brighter future.
Initiatives taken by Some State Governments:
The Punjab government contributed to saving water resources by avoiding waterlogging and fixing the drain leakage.
The Rajasthan government has taken the initiative to construct small ponds, which helped the local people of Rajasthan in many ways.
Villages of Telangana have constructed water tanks to conserve rainwater for future use.
These states are an inspiration, and others should also take a step forward to conserve and clean the water, water bodies, and groundwater.
Water saving should be and is the universal responsibility of every human being, living on this Earth.
There are many ways in which we can save water and reduce their pollution:
Be responsible to save water daily. Use only the required amount of water and avoid wastage. We should use water wisely.
We should use a washing machine to full capacity for washing clothes.
We should not let the tap run while washing hands and face.
We should water plants in the evening or early morning to minimise evaporation.
We should make provisions to store rainwater on rooftops and reuse the water for household purposes.
Bigger Communities and farmers should adapt to the practice of Rainwater harvesting.
The industrial waste should be treated properly instead of dumping it into rivers.
We should stop using plastics and dispose of them in an adequate way.
We can make people aware about water problems by means of social campaigns and other ways.
We should educate our children about water saving from an early age.
Reusing the water is an important way to save and prevent the scarcity of water. Bathing water can be recycled and used for planting or cleaning.
Rainwater harvesting is the method of collecting rainwater and conserving them for future use.
Conservation of groundwater is another important method in the preservation of groundwater and using it in the future.
Prevention of waterlogging.
Conclusion
We cannot imagine our lives without water. It is unfortunate that mankind has neglected this precious gift from God. Conservation of water is a necessity to save life. All living organisms on this planet need water to survive. If we do not give importance to saving or conservation of water then our future generations will face water scarcity.
