Essay on Groundwater Depletion

Table of contents

The groundwater level of the world is continuously falling. The sad and worrying thing is that so far no concrete initiative has been seen at the global level to deal with this acute problem of decreasing ground water. It is a harsh truth that if the ground water level of the world keeps falling like this, then it will be difficult for people to get water to drink in the coming times.

Today, the world is largely dependent on ground water to meet its water needs. Therefore, on the one hand, this continuous exploitation of ground water is going on a large scale; on the other hand due to the climate change and industrial destruction, there has been a significant decrease in rain due to the decrease in trees, plants, mountains etc. The earth is not getting water in proportion to the exploitation of ground water. That is the main reason why the ground water level of the world is continuously falling.

Long and Short Essay on Ground Water Depletion in English

Following are given some long and short Essay on Ground water Depletion of different word limits for the help and use of students and scholars.

These Ground water Depletion essay may provide you the basic and detail knowledge of the depletion of ground water and its consequences on the earth and the life forms.

The essay on ground water depletion can be used in various kinds of academic tasks such as discussion and debates, knowledge sharing, competitive examinations and in others.

Groundwater Depletion Essay – 1 (200 words)

It is believed that 85% of the population of India depends on ground water to meet their domestic demands. In rural areas, ground water is an important source of drinking water. Ground water plays a very important role in irrigation and other uses for human and animals. There is also a great demand for ground water in industrial areas.

Waste generated from agriculture, urban areas and industrial factories is threatening the quality of ground water. If once this waste goes within the sub-surface of the earth, it will also contaminate the ground water and it will not be fit for the use of human being.

The increasing demand for water has increased awareness about the artificial recharge of groundwater supply enhancement. In simple terms, artificial recharge is a process in which the maximum part of surface water is directly sent into the ground either by spreading it on the ground or by using recharge wells.

In other words, the filling of aquifers in relation to the replenishment is the movement of water from a human-made system in which surface water is stored in or below the ground. Artificial recharge sometimes called schematic recharge is a way in which water is stored below the ground so that it can be used in times of water scarcity.


Groundwater Depletion Essay – 2 (300 words)

The transformation of water into water vapor called evaporation is a natural action conducted continuously by the sun and gravity called hydrologic-cycle or water-cycle. After the evaporation of water from the sea and surface land, this water again comes back to the earth in the form of rain. Rain is the source of all fresh water on the earth. When it rains, the water falling on the earth flows in the form of a stream and goes to the water bodies on the surface of the earth. This water is called surface water.

Some part of this water gets absorbed into the soil and gets collected beneath the ground. Some part of the rainwater gets transmitted slowly and goes under the ground due to gravity. Therefore, this process of making ground water is called aquifying and the accumulated water is called ground water. As a result of the gravity, underground water slowly moves beneath the surface.

Water table or underground water is beneath the upper surface of the land in which soil or rocks are permanently saturated with water. The depth to which the soil is completely filled with water in the holes and the level at which it is found is called the water table. The water table separates the ground water area which lies below it or the capillary fringe airborne area which is above it. Fluctuations in the water table vary from year to year as variations in rainfall and climate influence it. It is also affected by the extraction of water by wells or artificial form.

The process of precipitation through which ground water is supplied is called recharge. Generally, recharge occurs in tropical climate only during rainy season. This precipitation on earth is often 10% to 20% which is absorbed by the soil and contributes to the water-holding level. Ground water is continuously functional as compared to surface water it flows very slowly. The actual rate of transmission of this water depends on the transmission and storage capacity of the aquifer.


Groundwater Depletion Essay – 3 (400 words)

Introduction

Everybody will have to bring awareness among children and adults by running a campaign of water conservation by being a conscious and responsible citizen. Today, the depletion of water table is a cause of stress among the people. They have started thinking on this burning issue that could transform the whole planet. The increase in population increases the consumption of water so in its wastage. Days are not far when either no ground-water or polluted ground-water will be extracted. Hence people have to become conscious about the facts.

Some Methods are Suggested below to Save Water

  • While taking bath, a lot of water can be saved by taking water in bucket as compared to bathing in shower or tub. If you clean utensils in a bucket or tub of water in the kitchen, then a huge loss of water can be prevented. This water may be used in irrigation.
  • Earlier, there used to be ponds on the border of villages, towns and cities or somewhere on the lower surface, in which the monsoon rain water naturally collected. This water gradually enters into the water table.
  • In cities and metros, water from the drains of the houses can be collected by making pits and used for irrigation of trees and plants and for other purposes.
  • If tap in houses, neighborhoods and public places are left open or they have some fault or leakage, then inadvertently thousands of liters of water is wasted every day.
  • Applying scientific methods, the saline water of the sea is being made potable today. These methods should be promoted at a large scale.
  • Regular cleaning of important rivers like Ganga and Yamuna is very important. It not only supply water to the people living at the banks but also replenishes the water table.
  • Due to increasing population and industrialization, indiscriminate cutting of forest and trees is continuously reducing the moisture of the land, so plantation needs to be done continuously.
  • It is very important to prevent mis-use and over-use of water by the constitution at all levels, by effective propagation through media and by compulsorily teaching the subject of water conservation at school level.

Conclusion

Now the time has come when the governments of the Center and the States should make a law to teach ‘Water Conservation’ to the new generation from primary to higher level. It is also needed to bring consciousness among the people by visual aids and propaganda. People should be encouraged to adapt rain water harvesting programme and then only they will begin to think as their duty to save water.


Groundwater Depletion Essay – 4 (500 words)

Introduction

Agricultural development is the backbone of any country’s economy. Water is essential for life and is a very important component in intensive crop production. Actually, it is a bitter fact that water is such a resource all over the world that will remain a matter of constant concern.

Presently there are many reasons for water crisis, such as population growth, decreasing rainfall, increasing industrialization, increasing urbanization, indiscriminate cutting of trees, luxury, modernist and indulgent trends, selfish tendencies and insensitivity to water, increasing dependence on ground water.

Its excessive exploitation, negligence in traditional water harvesting techniques, increasing dependence of society on government, increasing water consumption in agriculture etc. have become a major issue.

Prime Minister’s Appeal

The Prime Minister of India was also worried about the water crisis prevailing in the country. Appreciating the good work being done on water in many places in the country, he urged the countrymen that till the time of good rains, we all had time to work for water for four months. We have to save every drop of water.

Water Harvesting

Most of the rainwater goes through the normal gradients of the surface into the rivers and then mixes in the ocean. In the process of reaching the rocks from the soil, water is stored by filtering through small natural pores, holes, and cracks into the rock-beds; hence its cleanliness is indisputable. Conservation of this precious pure rain water as ground water is very important. If rainwater is collected and transported to the rock beds, underground reservoirs can be filled.

Nature keeps doing this work in its normal order. But today due to increase in population the use of water increases many times. Now this problem has taken a huge form, it has become necessary to do this work by running a campaign for humans. The main objective of this campaign is to consider water as life and to transport it into the land by simple scientific methods, in which all of us will have to gather.

Conservation of Ground Water

For the collection and conservation of ground water, every person must do the following at his level:

  1. Arrangements should be made to collect the water falling on the roof of houses during the rainy season.
  2. Old traditions of keeping the courtyard raw should be followed.
  3. Plant at least one tree.
  4. Water wastage should be prevented, such as the tap being closed after use.
  5. Government efforts and scientific researchers will only give a partial solution to this problem, but if the common people understand this, then it can be replenished for future use.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is hoped that farmers can save water wastage in agriculture by adopting advanced methods of irrigation by harvesting rainwater as ground water. Scientists have developed such irrigation methods through continuous research, which not only saves water and energy, but also gives higher agricultural yield. These methods are – sprinkler and drip irrigation system. Farmers should adapt in their practices. Also Govt. institutions have to take solid initiatives and make corrective plans.


Groundwater Depletion Essay – 5 (600 words)

Introduction

Although water is the most available resource of this planet, it is becoming increasingly rare for human use. Two thirds of the Earth is water and one third is land. About 97.5 percent of this immense water quantity is saline and only remaining 2.5 percent is sweet and potable. 75 percent of this freshwater is in the form of icebergs, 24.5 percent part of ground water, 0.03 percent part of rivers, 0.34 percent lakes and 0.06 percent part in the atmosphere. Only 0.3 percent of the available water on the earth is clean and pure.

Recharging Ground Water

By removing excessive water through boring or tube wells, we are constantly emptying the natural water table. Due to the laying of concrete work in the cities, the possibility of rainwater seeping into the ground is becoming less likely.

The system of collecting rainwater is four thousand years old. Today, this technique can be revived again on the basis of scientific standards. Following are the methods of recharging ground water: –

  • Recharge pit
  • Recharge trench
  • Recharge trenchless bore-well
  • Ponds and pools
  • Surface water storage through small check dams

This technique relies on local hydrogeology. It is advised to adopt any method of recharging ground water. Thousand gallons water falls on the earth every year in the rainy season, which is wasted and run through the sewers and drains. By adopting the method of rainwater harvesting, thousand liters of water can be stored in the ground water reservoirs as future capital.

Water Conservation Measures should be taken by Farmers

  1. Irrigate the crops by making beds.
  2. Ensure irrigation channels.
  3. Adopt drip method for irrigation of horticulture and sprinkler method for crops.
  4. Give water in the gardens in the morning and evening so that the loss from evaporation can be reduced.
  5. Sow such crops in water deficient areas which require less water.
  6. Let the water of the field be recharged in the field by strengthening and raising the ridges of the fields.

Water Conservation in Industry and Business Sector

  1. Purify the water used in industries and reuse it.
  2. Treat water used in water parks and hotels and use it again and again.
  3. Big buildings like hotels, private hospitals, nursing homes and industries etc. should adopt rain water harvesting methods.

Benefits of Underground Water Recharge

  1. The annual rate of groundwater level degradation can be reduced.
  2. It increases the ground water availability and satisfies the demand of drinking water.
  3. Under-ground aquifer (geological water bed) can be revived.

Some Precautions to Keep the Rain Water Pollution Free

  1. Only the water collected from the roofs should be connected directly to the aquifer.
  2. Recharge pit / trench methods should be encouraged as far as possible.
  3. At the recharge points, no pollutant should be stored.
  4. Roofs should be kept clean and no chemicals, insecticides should be stored there.
  5. With the construction of rainwater harvesting and recharge system, plantation should be done in the area around it.
  6. Contour bonding and plantation work should be done on a large scale in small hills and forest area.
  7. Re-silting and repairing of available conventional water resources should be done.
  8. Dry wells should be cleaned and used as a recharge system.

Conclusion

Ground water is found in the pores or cracks of the rock beneath many surfaces of the soil. In terms of utility, ground water is more important than surface available potable water resources. About eighty percent of India’s villages are dependent on ground water for agriculture and drinking water, and the matter of fact is that ground-water is rapidly shrinking its existence in the world. This situation is terrible in many developing countries, where the water level is decreasing by about three meters per year, and in India the situation is also not better.

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Water Resources Should Be Nationalized

India is one country united by various states to have peace within,we should live together by sharing our wants with each other. Surplus should be shared. Every state has dispute in sharing water resources with its neighbouring state. Then and there problem arising between peoples of two states. they are not allowing neighbouring state vehicles to enter into their state. We have enough water from nature but we tend to overuse or misuse it.

Some parts of India are flooded with rain,they don’t have place to live till the flooded rain water gets drained,in some other parts people are longing to get water for irrigation and their basic needs. Loss in one place can be utilized as a resource in one place. So India as whole will be benefited. The main purpose of national utilization of water resources is uniform and proper use of this resource at every place,in order to avoid problem between the states,nationalization should be done,but on the other hand it is also necessary that it should not be merely a political agenda.

The rivers flowing from the north to south are not 100% utilized by the individual states efficiently. Because some state may need water and some may not need depending upon the geographical location,requirement,agriculture,etc. So the unused water of these rivers are directed to the sea. So what the government has planned to nationalize the rivers by constructing a water channel from north to south,like hoe the national highways are there in our country. we will have the water highway routes in the form of the channels.

At present water resources in, India are under the control of respective state government,to nationalize it all state governments must accept it. Detailed well planned architecturehave to be prepared to connect all rivers without any city gets affected. Lakhs and lakhs of acres of land will be needed to connect all rivers,this must be taken care by the respective state government. I like to approach this problem in two steps. The country can be divided into zones. each zone can include equal number of states with and without the problem of water scarcity. Each zone can be controlled by a panel formes by the central government. The panel can be the final authority regarding the planning and execution of the entire project and it takes decision regarding the water sharing formula between the states in a particular.

The same board can take steps to spread awareness among the masses regarding the water scarcity situation that is prevailing in every corner of the globe and especially in developing countries like ours and take measurements to teach the efficient use of water,its conservation and some knowledge about preventing pollution of water bodies. They should also be taught about the need for afforestation and how forests can bring rain. This program can be initiated in all schools and colleges run by the state and central government.

The government can also take the help of various organizations that are working for this cause. Last but not the least the rural masses need more education regarding the present situation. Plays can be organized to tell the people about the dangers of water scarcity. Apart from the satisfaction of water,employment oppurtunites can be given to people. Hydel power generation is possible from this project. Also water transport will become familier inside the nation.

This dispute can only be solved when people of tamilnadu and Karnataka realize that its their own family member on other side who is using water for quenching his thirst or using it in farms I know it is too idealistic but this is the only way to solve the problem. To solve all these kinds of problems all rivers in India should be nationalized and a neutral committee comprising of experts in water resource, major political leaders of the states in dispute and central political authority should be formed.

The decision of that committee should become binding to all the parties involved in dispute. Again this solution involves individual honesty and national perspective and in my view both of these are lacking in India. The only way out of these types of problems is the realization by all Indians about their responsibility as citizens. River kaveri is like any mother is treating her children equal with its flow but its her children who are not treating each other equal and right. I hope the better sense prevails. May almighty direct out intellect in right direction.

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Shortage of Water in Pakistan

Table of contents

As we all know, Pakistan is facing severe shortage of water. There are two main reasons, one due to persistent droughts which is beyond the control of a man, and the other due to miss-management of water resources.

Impact on Economy / Society

Less water means less agricultural yields, meaning they cannot fulfill the food requirements of the nation, so they need to be dependent on other countries. Due to less production of main crops, which are wheat, cotton, sugar cane and rice, the Industries related to them will suffer adversely . Less agricultural outputs will compel people to head towards urban areas for jobs, which will increase the unemployment further. Water Issue between Pakistan & India . Concern is growing in Pakistan that India is controlling the water flow of rivers that flow from India into Pakistan.

Pakistan has raised objections to Indian water projects, but a World Bank-appointed neutral expert rejected most of the Pakistani objections. Pakistani commentators, think that India is controlling the river waters to strangulate Pakistani agriculture, which could affect Pakistani exports and increase its dependency on food imports.

Who Is Responsible For the Crisis

  • A result of natural factors
  • Poor water resources management
  • Increased pollution of surface & ground water
  • Population explosion
  • Over exploitation of ground water

How can they solve this problem?

  • Water resources and its conservation & management
  • A forestation activities
  • Rain water harvesting
  • Environmental information & education
  • Prevention & control of water pollution
  • Recycle of waste water
  • Use of modern irrigation techniques
  • Authorities should take appropriate steps to curb the illegal extraction of water and ensure its equitable distribution.
  • Government should make laws on water conservation, like many western countries.

Importance of Dams for Pakistan

  • Irrigation.
  • Electrical Energy.
  • Water Supply for everyone.
  • Flood Control.

Conclusion

The problems faced by the water sector in Pakistan are many, acute and serious. Therefore, building more reservoirs/dams and having an effective management strategy are the needs of time. Also implementation of the solutions I gave you will enable the country to meet the challenges ahead, and achieve the objectives to become a nation with no water shortage.

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Methods And Impacts Of Water Conservation Environmental Sciences Essay

Table of contents

Water is the individual most deciding factor of dwellers of any land, both measure and quality of life is determined by the sum of free H2O in being in or on the land. Water in Utah comes from three chief beginnings ; land H2O, springs and artesian Wellss, and surface H2O. Although H2O from some beginnings is clean plenty to imbibe straight, in order to make Utah H2O quality ordinances the H2O must be treated.

Water that is used by Utah occupants can be captured and reused, nevertheless, it does come at a cost, and it might be merely excessively much for some to pay for. Water preservation makes it so that our supplies of H2O go farther. There are many different degrees of preservation possible through landscape gardening, residential and commercial patterns. By increasing the consciousness of H2O use, we can diminish the impact that is caused to our H2O system. If Utah occupants continue to utilize H2O as they do today, we will be in a drouth by the twelvemonth 2050. Without farther instruction and better advertisement and publicity of H2O preservation, our future coevalss will endure.

Background of Water Conservation

Early Utah in 1847 Mormon colonists made rough dikes. The Salt Lake Valley was a desert so they needed to water in order to have H2O for their harvests. The primary H2O the early colonists received was from the Jordan River and canyon watercourses. Water jurisprudence started so when the colonists came to Utah ( Bowden P. 1 )

Water jurisprudence was called, “ anterior appropriation ” and gave permission for the first individual in clip to utilize the H2O foremost and back in clip to utilize it 2nd, etcetera. The H2O jurisprudence besides stated, “ utilize it or lose it ” , intending that if you do non utilize the H2O right in order that you were say to so you lost your privilege and had to reapply for H2O rights ( Bowden, p. 1-2, ) . This shows that even back when the province was originally settled there was demand for H2O preservation and for the H2O system to be organized.

There is a big diverseness of rainfall over the province ; some topographic points receive every bit small as 5 inches and some every bit much as 60 inches yearly. Although we are the 2nd driest province in the United States, we have the 2nd best H2O use per individual in the US. Utah largely uses snowmelt to H2O and feed our fresh H2O systems that we have made to administer the H2O. Utah has an advanced and well-used irrigation system and Utah has figured out ways of hive awaying the H2O for later use through our dikes, reservoirs, and H2O armored combat vehicles ( The History of Utah Water, 2007 ) .

Attempts to Reduce the Impact

Conservation

In the article Why Conserve? ( 2012 ) it is stated that, “ If Utahns can cut down per-capita ingestion of H2O by 25 % by 2050, they will conserve the equivalent of over 500,000 acre-feet of H2O per twelvemonth. That is more H2O than can be held in Jordanelle Reservoir and Deer Creek Reservoir combined, and more than any H2O undertaking in Utah has developed ”

Projections from Why Conserve? besides province that by the twelvemonth 2050 if Utah continues to utilize H2O at the rate we do, and if population growing continues to tendency like it has, Utah ‘s peak H2O use season will max out our H2O resources and do a drouth.

As the population in Utah continues to turn, it is projected that by the twelvemonth 2050, Utah will max out its H2O resources ensuing in a drouth. By devouring 25 % less H2O, Utahns could salvage over 500,000 acre-feet of H2O per twelvemonth. For an illustration of how much H2O this is, combine the Waterss held in Jordanelle and Deer Creek Reservoirs. Using that much less H2O per twelvemonth will guarantee the handiness of H2O for old ages to come ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.conservewater.utah.gov/WhyConserve/ ) .

A valuable manner to cut down the sum of H2O Utah abode usage is to roll up rainwater. Rainwater reaping is now, as of May 11th 2010, legal to reap ; nevertheless, a license must be obtained from the Division of Water Rights web page. There are a few restrictions in topographic point to do certain the H2O tabular array is adequately replenished ; merely one belowground 2500-gallon storage armored combat vehicle and two 100-gallon aboveground storage armored combat vehicles are allowed. The H2O collected can non be used for all family uses, but for smaller things like irrigating gardens and lawns, rinsing autos and other outdoor usage ( Jenkins, 2010 ) .

Harmonizing to www.rules.utah.gov greywater is defined as, “ untreated effluent, which has non come into contact with lavatory waste. Greywater includes effluent from bathing tub, showers, bathroom washbowls, apparels rinsing machines, wash bath, etc. , and does non include effluent from kitchen sinks, exposure lab sinks, dish washers, garage floor drains, or other risky chemicals ” ( Rule R317-401, 2012 ) .

A A A A A A Greywater is legal to capture and to utilize but the Torahs are really specific and rigorous on every facet of greywater. There are several pages of ordinance and authorizations on the particulars of the jurisprudence of greywater capturing. The storage armored combat vehicle has to be 250 gallons or more, the armored combat vehicle can be above land if it is placed on a four inch midst, sealed, leveled slab of cement. The armored combat vehicle has to be fitted with several valves, adjustments, pipes, and gages that all have to be accessible for review. The greywater can merely be used in belowground infiltration methods that have a batch of criterions and specifications to continue. Dirt that the H2O is used on has to let certain sums of H2O through at a specific rate and it must be off from many possible jeopardies like: watercourses, rivers, veggies in a garden can non come in direct contact, edifices, houses, H2O tabular array and more. In the terminal, it is non worth the clip, fuss, or money to roll up greywater. ( Rule R317-401, 2012 ) .

Landscaping

Landscaping is one of the largest ingestions of H2O use. In Utah, most occupants use 60 % -70 % of their H2O on landscape gardening. During the winter months, H2O use is lower, but as spring and summer come around, H2O use can take a drastic addition. There are several methods that can be practiced to diminish the sum of H2O used on landscaping without enduring the peace and beauty that a garden can offer ( hypertext transfer protocol: //centralutahgardens.org/ ) .

In an interview conducted with Casey Finlinson, the Assistant Conservation Horticulturist at the Central Utah Water Conservancy District ( personal communicating, 10/05/2012 ) , he explained how there are so many different ways we can conserve H2O in our landscape gardening picks. Xeriscape is frequently a pick we can utilize to assist cut down usage of H2O. At the Central Utah Water Conservancy Gardens, they prefer to mention to xeriscape as H2O efficient landscaping. This is because when people hear the word xeriscape, they confuse it hearing “ nothing ” flower stalk, acquiring the thought that means holding a pace filled stones, cactus, soil and really small to no grass. Even though xeriscaping and H2O efficient landscaping mean the same thing, people prefer to hear the later and seem to better associate to the broad possibilities that are available.

In a survey done by the American Water Works Association over a five twelvemonth period of clip, the overall costs of xeriscaping was compared to the traditional methods of caring for sod. Residents who participated found a 30 % nest eggs in H2O use, an overall lessening in care cost clip as compared to those who maintained traditional landscape gardening. The construct of xeriscaping provides a delighting expression to a place, while utilizing H2O resources efficaciously ( Sovocool, Morgan & A ; Bennett, 2006 ) .

To be effectual with H2O efficient landscape gardening, there are seven stairss to follow. The first measure involves the planning and design of your pace. As one designs their pace, they can take what best fits their demands and involvements while paying attending to inside informations such as H2O, infinite and visible radiation demands for each works. Planning is indispensable when taking a H2O wise landscape. The following measure involves analysing your dirt. Different types of dirt usage H2O otherwise. A flaxen dirt is more like a screen, while a clay type dirt holds H2O in. Blending mulch with your dirt can assist equally administer the H2O and following irrigating guidelines specific to the dirt type can guarantee proper H2O use ( hypertext transfer protocol: //centralutahgardens.org/7_steps.aspx ) .

Plant choice is step three. When sing the Central Utah Water Conservancy Gardens, one may pick up a booklet that lists all the workss that are turning in the garden. While walking through and acquiring thoughts, you can tag the box next to the works which you are interested in. Knowing what types of workss best suite the dirt and clime demands is of import. Choosing practical sizes for lawn countries and type of grass to utilize is step four ( hypertext transfer protocol: //centralutahgardens.org/7_steps.aspx ) .

Once workss and grass are chosen, concentrating on how to H2O everything expeditiously is step five. There are assorted types of scattering systems and drip irrigating systems that can present H2O efficaciously to want topographic points. Knowing how frequently and how much H2O to utilize can assist workss develop a deep root system, giving them strength to last through times of drouth or utmost heat. Step six suggests utilizing about three inches of mulch around bushs and workss because this helps to maintain H2O from vaporizing while maintaining workss cool ( hypertext transfer protocol: //centralutahgardens.org/7_steps.aspx ) .

The concluding measure of a H2O efficient landscape is to pattern proper pace attention. Regular care and pruning helps maintain workss healthy. Monitoring workss for disease and insects and detecting dirt conditions can cut down the emphasis on workss, guaranting their wellness and ability to use the H2O. With proper planning, seting and attention we are able to use our H2O resources more sagely ( hypertext transfer protocol: //centralutahgardens.org/7_steps.aspx ) .

There are besides other methods which can be followed to continue our H2O supply. These illustrations come from the Mono Lake community. Mono Lake supplies Los Angeles, California with the bulk of its H2O. The lake was being depleted so rapidly to the point of about being dried up, attempts were enacted to refill the H2O supply and educate the community. Now the lake is keeping the same degree it was in 1970 despite the drastic growing of over 1 million people in the encompassing country. Puting lawn mower blades one notch higher, rinsing autos on the lawn, and non irrigating on overcast/rainy yearss can salvage an norm up to 1500 gallons of H2O each month. Even by brushing the private road alternatively of hosing it down can salvage more than 600 gallons a month. By doing little attempts to salvage a small H2O, the H2O beginnings communities draw from will be more capable of functioning us to run into our hereafter needs ( Mono Lake, 2012 ) .

In Residential Homes

Water preservation makes it so that our supplies of H2O go farther. Besides, when you use less H2O it makes for less work for the H2O intervention installations, which in bend makes it so that less energy is used. Conserving H2O besides saves energy. When a individual uses less hot H2O they save on H2O warming. There are so many good ways to conserve H2O around everybody ‘s house ( Mono Lake, 2012 ) .

Conservation in the bathroom

Make certain your lavatory is an ultra-low flower theoretical account, which uses merely one and a half gallons per flower.

If you ‘re taking a shower, do n’t blow cold H2O waiting for hot H2O to make the showerhead. Catch that H2O in a container to utilize on your outside workss or to blush your lavatory. Saves 200 – 300 gallons a month.

Check lavatory for leaks. Put dye tablets or nutrient colouring into the armored combat vehicle. If colour appears in the bowl without blushing, there ‘s a leak that should be repaired. Saves 400 gallons a month.

Turn off the H2O while brushing your dentitions. Saves three gallons each twenty-four hours.

Turn off the H2O while shaving. Fill the underside of the sink with a few inches of H2O to rinse your razor. Saves three gallons each twenty-four hours.

Conservation in the kitchen

If you wash dishes by manus – and that ‘s the best manner – do n’t go forth the H2O running for rinsing. If you have two sinks, make full one with rinse H2O. If you merely have one sink, utilize a spray device or short blasts alternatively of allowing the H2O tally. Saves 200 – 500 gallons a month.

When rinsing dishes by manus, use the least sum of detergent possible. This minimizes rinse H2O needed. Saves 50 – 150 gallons a month.

Keep a bottle of imbibing H2O in the icebox. This beats the uneconomical wont of running tap H2O to chill it for imbibing. Saves 200 – 300 gallons a month.

Do n’t deice frozen nutrients with running H2O. Either program in front by puting frozen points in the icebox overnight or deice them in the microwave. Saves 50 – 150 gallons a month.

Do n’t allow the spigots run while you clean veggies. Rinse them in a filled sink or pan. Saves 150 – 250 gallons a month.

Use the refuse disposal less and the refuse more ( even better – compost! ) Saves 50 – 150 gallons a month.

Mono Lake, 2012

A batch of people believe that taking a shower alternatively of a bath conserves H2O, even many H2O and energy environmentalists frequently say this. This is non needfully true, it truly depends on what sort of showerhead is being used. Other factors include if there is a “ flow restrictor ” in the showerhead and how long you shower. Most places that were built before 1992 do non hold a flow restrictor in the showerhead and if there is non one in the showerhead “ opportunities are your showerheads put out about five gallons of H2O per minute ( gpm ) ” ( Consumer energy, 2012 ) .

If a showerhead does set out five gallons per minute so you would clock five by the figure of proceedingss you shower and that would be the sum of H2O being sent down the drain. On norm it takes 30-50 gallons of H2O to make full a bathing tub. Therefore, if a individual takes the mean 15 minute shower with an old showerhead it would be 75 gallons of H2O traveling down the drain. The showerheads with flow restrictors in them use about half the H2O of the old showerheads, hence, that same 15 minute shower with a flow restrictor would merely be 37.5 gallons traveling down the drain ( Consumer energy, 2012 ) .

However, harmonizing to the Department of Energy “ list the mean shower as devouring 12 gallons, ” must be with the flow restrictor, “ and the mean bath merely nine gallons of H2O ( Consumer studies, 2012 ) . I tested this nine gallon theory by mensurating out nine gallons of H2O into my bathing tub. I so measured how many inches this was and it was merely 2.25 inches high in my bath. This is non a sensible sum of H2O to take a bath in. Peoples from the Consumer Report say that 20 gallons for a bath is more sensible [ aˆ¦ ] and that it is of import to hold a clip bound for showers and to utilize a “ low-flow ” showerhead ( Consumer studies, 2012 ) .

A individual can prove to see the sum of H2O they use in a shower or a bath. They can stop up the bath when they shower and after they are done lavishing they can see how much H2O is in the bath. If this is more than they would utilize for a bath than they may be better off taking a bath, if it is less than they would utilize for a bath so it would do sense, preservation wise, for them to go on taking showers ( Consumer energy, 2012 ) .

Low-flow showerheads are available that use merely 1.5 gallons of H2O per minute, every bit good as “ shower timers ” , although it has been said that the shower timers are non every bit conserving as the low-flow showerheads. The shower timers are more of a “ behavioural tool ” for people to utilize so that they may alter how they shower and push them toward preservation ( Consumer studies, 2012 ) . A twosome other preservation tips that one can make is to non shave in the shower and to turn the shower off while floging up. There are besides automatic spigots, automatic lavatories, and waterless urinals ( Yosemite, 2012 ) .

Home versus commercial fixtures

The mean place bathroom spigot uses 2.2 gallons of H2O per minute, some low-flow place bathroom spigots can utilize every bit small as 1.5 gallons per minute ( Yosemite, 2012 ) . Commercial bathroom spigots have an mean set sum of half a gallon per minute when used with a half-gallon per minute aerator ( Yosemite, 2012 ) .

The mean lavatory that is non a low-flow lavatory uses about 4.5 gallons per flower, whereas the low-flow lavatories can utilize merely 1.6 gallons per flower ( Tampa gov. , 2012 ) . This is the best manner to conserve H2O through your lavatory. However, another manner to conserve through lavatories is to put in a “ retrofitting flushometer ” which is a tankless lavatory ( Tampa gov. , 2012 ) .

Impacts of Water Usage

Where is imbibing H2O for Utah coming from?

Utah ‘s H2O comes from several topographic points. The municipal H2O beginnings include groundwater, natural springs and artesian Wellss, and surface H2O. These beginnings of H2O are replenished largely by snowpack and the remainder by the other signifiers of precipitation. There are 18 municipal providers of H2O to Utah and 12 hydrologic basins which feed into these providers. Of the 951,901 acre-feet of H2O used in 2005, approximately 60 % was drinkable H2O and 40 % was non-potable H2O used by industry ( Municipal and Industrial Water Supply and Use Studies, 2009 ) .

How is Our Water Used?

Water is indispensable to all signifiers of life, non merely for worlds. It provides many maps in the organic structure, such as temperature ordinance, to transport substances, and besides as a lubricator for articulations, variety meats, and tissues ( Wardlaw & A ; Smith, 2012 ) . Water, particularly big organic structures of H2O such as lakes and oceans, plays a major function in the Earth ‘s ecosystem and affects the clime and conditions of parts ( National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [ NOAA ] , 2012 ) . Harmonizing to the National Climatic Data Center, the past 12 months ( October 2011-September 2012 ) have been Utah ‘s 11th driest twelvemonth since 1895. In one-year precipitation in the twentieth century, Utah averages merely 11.59 inches ( NOAA, 2012 ) .

Fires, particularly wildfires, are a large concern in Utah since it is one of the driest provinces. Current twelvemonth to day of the month figures approximate that 420,000 estates have been burned by wildfires in Utah ( Year-to-date fires, 2012 ) . In add-on to other methods of contending these fires, aerial firefighting usage H2O from lakes and reservoirs to drop H2O bombs. Because of the demand to contend these fires, big H2O beginnings in Utah are really indispensable to snuff outing wildfires.

Another importance of H2O to Utah is legion sums of organic structures of H2O which attract touristry, assisting to hike Utah ‘s economic system. Utah State Parks non merely have to concentrate on public safety for H2O diversion, but besides the protection of natural resources. The following amounts up the intents of the State Park ‘s Boating plan ( Boating instruction, n.d ) :

Utah ‘s Boating Program aims to educate and inform boat operators about boating Torahs and regulations established to supply public safety and protect our natural resources on Utah ‘s waterways. Our attempts are funded through boat enrollment fees, province revenue enhancements on gasolene used in powerboats, and federal yachting safety grants. With an ever-increasing demand on Utah ‘s limited figure of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, leghorns must utilize their H2O diversion resources sagely.

Harmonizing to Utah Foundation Research ( Making an oasis, 2002 ) , the largest H2O user in Utah is agribusiness, which accounts for 85 % of all H2O use. In Provo, Brigham Young University and Pacific States, a dramatis personae Fe pipe production works, are the largest users of H2O. Because of increased industrial and commercial H2O usage during the summer season, Provo metropolis has increased culinary H2O cost in order to promote H2O preservation. Those rates are at $ 0.884 per one 1000 gallons between the months of May and October. During other months, the rates are at $ 0.528 per one 1000 gallons. Ratess are increased during the summer season because H2O use is higher during that clip period due to agriculture and landscaping care. For a comparing of H2O use in summer months versus winter months in assorted communities, refer to Postpone A and Table B in the appendix.

Since H2O is so cheap, an single household or place may non see a immense cost impact on their H2O measure if they conserve H2O. As such, places should concentrate more on the environmental impact instead than the fiscal impact of H2O preservation. ( T. Messick, personal communicating, October 16, 2012 ) .

Decision

Continuing our H2O resources is necessary to prolonging life. In a study from Krumholz, Haugen and Lindquist ( 2005 ) , it is predicted by the United Nations Project that one out of three people in the universe will non hold adequate H2O to prolong life by the twelvemonth 2025. Some thoughts for continuing this critical resource include minimising pollution to fresh H2O beginnings and increasing the degree of consciousness among persons, groups and communities about the necessary demand to be aware of H2O use and saving. Some methods of H2O preservation include roll uping rain H2O, utilizing appropriate landscaping H2O methods, being mindful of how we use our H2O in our places and utilizing devices that help decrease the end product from H2O fixtures. As members of society take portion in cut downing the human impact that can take to H2O deficit, it will be easier to refill and keep the natural H2O beginnings we have available.

Appendix

Table A

( Water rate constructions in Utah, 2005 )

Table Bacillus

( Water rate constructions in Utah, 2005 )

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Factors Affecting the Production of Rice in Malaysia

FACTORS AFFECTING THE PRODUCTION OF RICE IN MALAYSIA We would like to point out the factors affecting the production of rice in our country. Climate and the nature of soil, insect-pest and weed management, land areas, infrastructure, technologies and mechanization, dependency on other rice producers, investment and collaboration with international organization are the major factors that affect the rice productivity in Malaysia.

In temperate and tropical climate areas, rice is grown mostly under irrigated lowland ecosystem, once a year during the warm months that are when the temperature regimes are suitable for growth and development of rice plants. However, with available irrigation water, rice can be grown more than one crop per year in tropical climate areas such as Malaysia. Other than that, rain fed lowland ecosystems also found in tropical areas which water supply to rice crops comes principally from rainfall.

The low grain yields of the rice is attributed to the poor management by the farmers during the cultivation period, where fields are left unattended after sowing without any monitoring on plant nutrients and other critical aspects, such as weeds, diseases, and insect-pest attacks. Therefore, with good management practices, the application of adequate plant nutrient and water, together with weeds, diseases, and insect-pests management, the grain yields of upland rice varieties are expected to increase. All these aspects are therefore important in obtaining higher yields.

However, MARDI will use fewer pesticides and go into organic farming with bio-fertilizer. It very important to reduce the importation of pesticides and chemicals, considering their cost and affect on our environment. The rice production areas in Malaysia are decreasing (in the year 1970-1980) because good rice areas, near development centers are being converted for other uses(refer to figure 8). As the results, the grain yields of rice are expected to decrease. Since the 1980s, Malaysia’s land area for rice remained fairly constant at no more than 0. million hectares. Even though the land area for rice has remained rather constant, Malaysia’s rice productivity increases every year from 2. 1 ton/ha in 1961 to 3. 6 ton/ha in 2008 (refer to figure 5). Thus, Malaysia’s total rice production would also increase each year. Since 1985, Malaysia sees an average increase in total rice production of about 28,000 tons per year. The varieties of rice which produce high grain yields and quality (fragrance, colour) were collected from selected locations in the Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.

The government is constantly opening more fields and in Kota Belud, Sabah, a large field was recently opened. (said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Chua Tee Yong). New padi farming areas in Sarawak which were at Bijat/Stumbin, Lingga/Banting, Daro, Nanga Merit, Pulau Baruit, Paloh, Sungai Seblak and Limbang, involving 43,821 hectares. (http://www. mysinchew. com/node/29442) The effort to develop and modernize rice sub-sector has been directed to several major rice growing areas of the country.

The schemes to drain and irrigate two of these areas, Muda in Kedah and Kemubu in Kelantan have been financed by the World Bank. The purpose of drainage and irrigation in rice areas is to enable double-cropping which in turn requires high yielding varieties (HYV), chemical inputs such as fertilizer and pesticides and farm machineries to cope up with the new and tight schedule of rice farming. The provision of irrigation facilities has expanded double-cropping areas, improved the quality of rice land which was formerly either rain-fed or had not been properly irrigated and opened new areas for cultivation.

Under the 10MP (10th Malaysia Plan), the government is spending about RM1 billion this year itself on agriculture, and a lot of that would be going to the construction of irrigation systems including dams to upgrade infrastructures. (said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Chua Tee Yong) Faced with higher wages and sharply reduced labor supply, farmers have mechanized land preparation, seeding, and harvesting to reduce production costs, labor inputs, and production time.

Besides that, the technologies have make the life p of the paddy plant from seed to harvest has been lowered through research to 110 days from the traditional 150 days. Hence, double cropping is practiced. The crop cycle starts immediately after a crop harvest where the farmer cuts the stubble and burns it together with the straw strewn on the ground. This is the preferred crop management practice in order to reduce pest and to return the nutrients to the ground. Ploughing is carried out generally by a four-wheeled tractor with an attached rotovator and up to three rounds of ploughing are carried out.

This is done to loosen the soil also to attain a level field which is a preferred way to improve crop establishment and increase both grain quality and yields. Crop establishment is accomplished normally through direct sowing of pre-germinated seeds on the fields or using transplanting. Harvesting is done mostly by machines using large combined harvesters imported from Europe and modified for use in paddy harvesting. We do not have as much as land as Indonesia so we have to go into high tech farming and adopt new technologies. So, we need to transfer new, innovative technologies to the end user and targeted groups.

This is where the role of MARDI comes in, in terms of transferring technology to the farmers as well as the extension workers. The role of MARDI is to acquire, adapt and adopt technology as well. However, Malaysia was among the developing nations caught in the chaotic situation given its dependency on rice imports, especially from Thailand and Vietnam over the years. The difficulty in securing consistent supplies on the back as soaring international rice price had prompted the government to seriously reassess and tighten its food security of food, especially in boosting rice production in Malaysia.

Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, a target has been set to raise Malaysia’s rice self-sufficiency level to 90% by 2010 from about 70% currently. In addition, without private sector involvement in the rice-growing industry, it would be difficult for the sector to grow or even maintain its 65 per cent output by 2010. Realizing this, the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry is drawing up incentives schemes to attract private sector investments. The private sector does not find the rice industry profitable as the cost is high and the returns slow, but the government is working towards this. said by Parliamentary Secretary Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim). The government was focusing on automation, precision farming and implementing various mechanisms to develop and modernize the rice industry, so private sector involvement was crucial. The investment also goes into training facilities and advisory activities, especially in developing new groups of farmers who are receptive to technology and skill. It is important to develop a collaboration of international organizations or a networking system to exchange information, knowledge, technologies, and experiences.

IRRI operates the Integrated Rice Research Consortium for research and development of new technologies, and the Crop and Resource Management Network (CREMNET) to facilitate the exchange and evaluation of knowledge-intensive technologies (KITs) among primarily Asian National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS). The Consultation therefore advocates that collaboration between national and international organizations (FAO, IRRI, CIMMYT, UNDP, NARS, etc. ) should be strengthened to avoid duplication of efforts and to promote the use of sound practices and technologies in intensive rice cropping systems.

In addition, the consultation recommends that the existing networks of NARS should be strengthened to facilitate the exchange and evaluation of promising KITs, and to freely share information, knowledge and experiences in promoting KITs for intensive and sustainable rice production. A collection of research scientists is working together with our international partners from the industry sectors, especially in China. China has very simple, cheap technology that we can adopt very fast.

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Water Scarcity

Global Water Scarcity – Problems And Solutions Posted: 23. 12. 2009 author: Tater, Prof. Dr. Sohan Raj Importance of Water Water is a source of life of every living organism. Without water living beings cannot survive their lives. There is 60% water in human gross body. It is a natural resource that sustains our environments and supports livelihood. Water is the blue gold, and that future wars will be fought for water. So, not a single drop of water received from rain should be allowed to escape into the sea without being utilized for human benefit. The vast majority of the Earth’s water resources are salty water, with only 2. % being fresh water. Approximately 70% of fresh water available on planet is in the icecaps of Antarctica and Greenland leaving the remaining 0. 7% of total water resources worldwide available for consumption. However from this 0. 7%, roughly 87% is allocated to agricultural purposes. These statistics are particularly illustrative of the drastic problem of water scarcity facing humanity. Water scarcity is defined as per capital supplies less than 1700 M3/year. The comprehensive assessment of water management in agriculture revealed that one in three people are already facing water shortage (2007).

Around 1. 2 billion people, or almost one-fifth of the world’s population, live in areas of physical scarcity, while another 1. 6 billion people, or almost one quarter of the world’s population, face economic water shortage (where countries lack the necessary infrastructure to take water from rivers and aquifers); nearly all of which are in the developing countries. Agriculture is a significant cause of water scarcity in much of the world since crop production requires upto 70 times more water than is used in drinking and other domestic purposes.

The report says that a rule of thumb is that each calorie consumed as food requires about one litre of water to produce. The amount of water in the world is finite. The number of us is growing fast and our water use is growing even faster. A third of world’s population lives in water stressed countries now. By 2025, this is expected to rise to two-third. The UN recommends that people need a minimum of 50 litres of water a day for drinking, washing, cooking and sanitation. In 1990, over a billion people did not have even that. Causes of Global water Crisis

There are four main factors aggravating water scarcity: * Population Growth: In the last century, world population has tripled. It is expected to rise from the present 6. 5 billions to 8. 9 billions by 2050. Water use has been growing at more than twice the rate of population increase in the last century, and although there is no global water scarcity as such, an increasing number of regions are chronically short of water. * Increased urbanization will focus on the demand for water among an over more concentrated population. Asian citizen alone are expected to grow by 1 billion people in the next 20 years. High level of consumption: As the world becomes more developed, the amount of domestic water that each person used is expected to rise significantly. * Climate change will shrink the resources of fresh water  (a) Pollution and disease Global water consumption rose six fold between 1900 and 1995 more than double the rate of population growth – and goes on growing as farming, industry and domestic demand all increase. As important as quantity is quality – with pollution increasing in some areas, the amount of useable water declines.

More than five millions people die from water-borne diseases each year, 10 times the number killed in wars around the globe. Seventy percent of water used world wide is used for agriculture, much more will be needed if we are to feed world’s growing population – predicted to rise from about six billion to 8. 9 billion by 2050. Consumption will star further as more people expect western – style lifestyle and diets – one kilograms of grain fed beef needs at least 15 cubic meters of water, while a kilo of cereals needs only upto three cubic meters. b) Poverty and Water The poor are the ones who suffer most. Water shortage can mean long walks to fetch water, high price to buy it, food insecurity and disease from drinking dirty water. But the very thing needed to raise funds to tackle water problems in poor countries, economic development – requires yet more water to supply the agriculture and industries which drive it. The UN-backed World commission on water estimated in 2000 that an additional $100 billion a year would be needed to tackle water scarcity would wide.

Even if the money can be found, spending it wisely is a further challenge. Dams and other large – scale projects now affect 60% of the world’s largest rivers and provide millions with water. As ground water is exploited, water tables in part of China, India, West Asia, the former Soviet Union and the Western United States are dropping – in India by as much as 3 meters a year in 1999. (c) Melting of Glaciers Global warming is melting glaciers in every region of the world, putting millions of people at risk from floods, draughts and lack of drinking water.

Glaciers are ancient rivers of compressed snow that creep through the landscape, shaping the planet’s surface. They are the Earth’s largest fresh water reservoir, collectively covering an area the size of South Antarctica. Glaciers have been retreating worldwide since the end of the little Ice Age (around 1850), but in recent decades glaciers have began melting at rates that cannot be explained by historical trends. One in three people is enduring one form or other of water scarcity, according to a new report from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

The report says that about one- quarter of the world’s population lives in areas where water is physically scare, while about one – sixth of humanity over a billion people – live where water is economically scares, or places where “Water is available in rivers and aquifers, but the infrastructure is lacking to make thick water available to people. ” In a world of unprecented wealth, almost two million children die-each year for want of a glass of clean water and adequate sanitation.

Millions of women and young girls are forced to spend hours collecting and carrying water, restricting their opportunities and their choices. Water – bone infectious diseases are growing in same of the world’s poorest countries. Human development reports 2006 investigates the underlying causes and consequences of a crisis that leaves 1. 2 billion people without access to safe water and 2. 6 billion without access to sanitation. In 2006 the International Management Institute, reported that water scarcity affected a full third of world population.

In 2007 the Intergovernmental panel on climate change predicted that due to climate change, the number of people facing water scarcity would grow. Other, too, say that there is a global water crisis, the availability of water is dwindling, the world is running out of the water. Solution of water scarcity (a) Water and Climate change Water scarcity is expected to become an even more important problem than it is today. There are several reasons for this: * First the distribution of precipitation in space and time is very uneven, leading to tremendous temporal variability in water resources worldwide (Oki et al. 003). For example, the Atacama Desert in Chile receives imperceptible annual quantities of rainfall where as Mawsynram, Assam, India receives over 450 inches annually. If the fresh water on the planet were divided equally among the global population, there would be 5000 to 6000 M3 of water available for everyone, every year. * Second the rate of evaporation varies a great deal, depending on temperature and relative humidity, which impact the amount of water available to replenish ground water supplies.

The combination of shorter duration but more intense rainfall (meaning more run off and less infiltration) combined with increased evapotranspiration (the sum of evaporation and plant transpiration form the earth’s land surface to atmosphere) and increased irrigation is expected to lead to ground water depletion. According to world bank, as many as two billion people lack adequate sanitation facilities to protect them from water – borne disease, while a billion lack access to clean water altogether.

According to United States, which has declared 2005-15 the “Water for life” decade, 95 percent of the world cities still dump water sewage into their water supplies. Thus it should come as no surprise to know that 80 percent of all the health maladies in developing countries can be traced back to unsanitary water. Developed countries are not immune to fresh water problem either. Researcher found a six-fold increase in water use for only a two-fold increase in population size in the United States since 1900.

Such a trend reflects the connection between higher living standards and increased water usage and underscores the need for more sustainable management and use of water supplies even in more developed societies. (b) Technical Solution New technology can help, however, especially by cleaning up pollution and so making more water useable, and in agriculture, where water use can be made for more efficient, drought – resistant plants can also help. Drip irrigation drastically cuts the amount of water needed, low-pressure sprinklers are an improvement, and even building simple earth walls to trap rainfall is helpful.

Some countries are now treating wastewater so that it can be used – and drunk – several times over. Desalination makes seawater, but takes huge quantities of energy and leaves vast amount of brine. (c) Climate Change In any case, it is not just us who need water, but every other species that shares the planet with us – as well as the ecosystems on which we, and they, rely. Climate change will also have an impact, some areas will probably benefit from increase rainfall, but other are likely to be loser. We have to rethink how much water we really need if we are to learn how to share the Earth’s supply.

While dams and other large-scale schemes play a big role worldwide, there is also a growing recognition of the value of using the water already have more efficiently rather than harvesting ever more from our rivers and aquifers. For millions of people around the world, getting it right is a matter of life and death. (d) The hydrological Cycle The hydrological cycle begins with evaporation from the surface of ocean or land, continues as air carries the water vapour to locations where it forms clouds and eventually precipitates out.

It then continues when the precipitation is either absorbed into the ground or runs off to the ocean, ready to begin the cycle over again in an endless loop. The amount of time needed for ground water to recharge can vary with the amount of intensity of precipitation. With world population expected to pass nine billion by mid-century, solutions to water scarcity problems are not going to come easy. Some have suggested that technology – such as large-scale salt water desalination plants – could generate more water for the world use.

But environmentalists argue that depleting ocean water is no answer and will only create other big problems. In any case, research and development into improving desalination technologies is ongoing, especially in Saudi Arabia, Israel and Japan. Already an estimated 11,000 desalination plants exist in some 120 countries around the world. Water Management When we think about water scarcity, then, we should not be focusing on an absolute shortfall between the total needs of the earth’s population and the available supply, but on where the useable water is and what it costs to bring enough clean water to where people are.

Applying market principles to water would facilitate a more efficient distribution of supply everywhere. Analysts at Harvard Middle East Water Project, for example, advocate assigning a monetary value to fresh water, rather than considering it a free natural commodity. They say such a approach could help mitigate the political and security tensions caused by water scarcity. Falling prices in membrane filtering technology (reverse osmosis) and advances in ultraviolet and ozone disinfections have led to a wide array of off – the shelf water technologies.

Large companies such as GE, Siemens and Dow developed these technologies for consumer markets in industrial countries, spurred by the exploding market in bottled water, but they offer interesting spin-offs in developing countries. As individuals, we can also reign in our own water use to help conserve what is becoming an ever more precious resource. We can hold off on watering our lawns in times of drought. And when it does rain, we can gather gutter water in barrels to feed garden hoses and sprinklers. We can turn off the tapes while we brush our teeth or shave, and take shorter showers.

In other world, “Doing more with less is the first and easiest step along the path toward water scarcity. ” As a reliable and affordable technology, desalination has come of age in the last two decades. For Iceland cities such as Singapore, or for a new five star hotel on a Pacific atoll, a desalination plant is now standard technology. The cost of desalination has come down rapidly and now ranges from $ 0. 5 – 1. 00 per cubic meter, depending upon price of energy. This is a reasonable price for drinking water in a developed urban area or hotel where the impact on room prices will be only a few dollars per day.

For agricultural purposes, however the value of water ranges from several cents per cubic meter to grow crop such as corn, wheat, rice or sugar cane, to half a dollar for intensive flower or vegetable production. Desalination is clearly not an economical option. Desalination is similarly impractical for poor people who live on less than $ 1 or $ 2 per day. Conclusion Water is a source of life of every living organism. Without water living beings cannot survive their lives. There is 60% water in human gross body. It is a natural source that sustains our environments and supports livelihood.

Water is the blue gold, and that future wars will be fought for water. So, not a single drop of water received from rain should be allowed to escape into the sea without being utilized for human benefit. Present global water scarcity is defined as per capita supplies less than 1700 M3/year. Around 1. 2 billion people, or almost one-fifth of the world’s population, live in areas of physical scarcity while another 1. 6 billion, or almost one quarter of the world’s population, face economic, water shortage. A third of world’s population lives in water stressed countries now.

The report says that a rule of thumb is that each calorie consumed as food requires about one litre of water to produce. Causes of Global water crisis are – population growth, increased urbanization, high level of consumption and climate change which shrink the resources of fresh water, melting of glaciers. More than five millions people die from water-borne diseases each year around the Globe due to drinking polluted water. Underground water table is depleting on an average 3 meters a year as per research conducted in India. One in three people is enduring one form or other of water scarcity around the Globe.

Almost two million children die each year for want of a glass of clean water and adequate sanitation. If the fresh water on the planet were divided equally among the global population, there would be 5000 to 6000 M3 of water available for every one, every year. Technical solutions of water scarcity around Globe are Drip irrigation, recycling of sewage water and to make it usable for agriculture, vegetables and bathroom purposes, scientific work over hydrological cycle formation, desalination of saline water, Increasing R. O. technology.

We should advocate assigning a monetary value to fresh drinking water, rather than considering it a free natural commodity. Individually every globe citizen should save water in bathing cooking, gardening i. e. their daily use purposes. References * Goudie, As (2006). Global Warming and Fluvial Geomorphology Volume 79, September 2006, 37th Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium – The human role in changing Fluvial Systems. * Huntington, T. G. (2005) Evidence for Intensification of the global water cycle: Review and Synthesis. Journal of Hydrology, 319. * Konikow, Leonard et al. 2005). Ground water Depletion: A Global Problem. Hydrogeology (13). * Nearing, M. A. et al. (2005). Modeling Response of Soil Erosion and Run off to changes in Precipitation and cover. Catena, 61. * Oki, Taikan et al. (2006). Global hydrological Cycles and World Water Resources, Science; 313. * Vorasmarty, Charles et al. (2000). Global Water Resource: Vulnerability from Climate Change and Population Growth, Science, 289. * World Water Assessment Programme, 2003. Water for people, Water for life: The United Nations world water development report. UNESCO: Paris.

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Energy and Water Saving Ideas for Schools

Table of contents

Water-Saving Ideas for Schools Free

  • Repair leaky faucets and toilets throughout the school building.
  • Encourage maintenance staff to avoid using hoses or pressure washers to clean sidewalks and other paved areas.
  • Never allow water to run unnecessarily, and avoid using the toilet as a trash can.
  • Avoid overuse of the air conditioning – the harder it works, the more water (and energy! ) is used to cool the building.
  • Encourage your school’s cafeteria staff to avoid using trays when possible. Fewer items to wash means less water is used to wash them!
  • Research the water needs of the plants currently found on the school grounds. Determine how often they require water, and request that maintenance staff only water the plants and grounds as required by the plants.
  • Make sure sprinkler systems are watering plants and not spraying water onto sidewalks or other paved areas.

Develop a poster campaign to help educate the school community on water-conserving behaviors such as repairing leaks, turning off the water while washing hands, avoiding overuse of air conditioning, landscaping with native plants, etc.

Low-cost

Install faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads and other water-saving devices throughout the school. Construct a rain garden or native plants garden on the school grounds. Install rain barrels on school grounds. Place mulch around plants to reduce evaporation. Install timers and moisture sensors on irrigation equipment used on school grounds. Research the WaterSense program and encourage the school administration to purchase WaterSense products when equipment needs replacing. Be Water and Energy Wise!

  • Set the classroom (or school-wide) thermostat so it is slightly warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter.
  • Start a carpooling program at your school and encourage students to ride the school bus or carpool rather than having their individual parents drive them to school.
  • If your classroom has windows and gets plenty of natural light, open the blinds and turn off the lights when not required. Check for and repair leaks around windows and doors where air conditioning and heat can escape.
  • Plug all computers, televisions, printers, copiers, and other equipment into power strips, and turn off the strips when the devices are not in use. Even when turned off, many electronics use energy even when they’re in standby mode.
  • Pack lunches (in reusable containers! ) that don’t require heating.
  • Ensure that heating and cooling vents are clear of obstruction.

Create a schedule and put students in charge of turning off energy-consuming devices in the classroom (printers, computers, lights, etc. ). Increase the amount of insulation on water heaters and hot water pipes. Develop a poster campaign to help educate the school community on energy-conserving behaviors such as turning off lights, computers, and other equipment when not in use, keeping doors and windows closed to reduce heating and cooling system waste, washing clothes and dishes in full loads using cold water, etc. Replace classroom light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. ? Research the Energy Star program and encourage the school administration to purchase Energy Star products when equipment needs replacing. ? Plant deciduous trees around the school building. Trees help reduce heating and cooling costs by shading the building during warm months and by providing a wind break during the winter.

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