Module 4: Elementary Conservation of Water

Water conservation aims to sustainably manage the natural resource of fresh water, protect
the hydrosphere, and meet current and future human demand. Water conservation makes it
possible to avoid water scarcity. It covers all the policies, strategies and activities to reach
these aims. Population, household size and growth and affluence all affect how much water is
used.
Climate change and other factors have increased pressure on natural water resources. This is
especially the case in manufacturing and agricultural irrigation.

Many countries have successfully implemented policies to conserve water conservation.

There are several key activities to conserve water. One is beneficial reduction in water loss,
use and waste of resources. Another is avoiding any damage to water quality. A third is
improving water management practices that reduce the use or enhance the beneficial use of
water. Technology solutions exist for households, commercial and agricultural applications to
reduce the water usage. Water conservation programs involved in social solutions are
typically initiated at the local level, by either municipal water utilities or regional
governments.
The Aims of water conservation efforts include:

 With less than 1% of the worlds water being freshwater, one aim is ensuring the
availability of water for future generations where the withdrawal of freshwater from
an ecosystem does not exceed its natural replacement rate.
 Energy conservation as water pumping, delivery, and wastewater treatment facilities
consume a significant amount of energy. In some regions of the world, over 15% of the
total electricity consumption is devoted to water management.
 Habitat conservation where minimizing human water usage helps to preserve freshwater
habitats for local wildlife and migrating waterfowl, but also water quality.
The key activities to conserve water are as follows:

 Any beneficial reduction in water loss, use and waste of resources.

 Avoiding any damage to water quality.
 Improving water management practices that reduce the use or enhance the beneficial use
of water.
One of the strategies in water conservation is rainwater harvesting. Digging ponds, lakes,
canals, expanding the water reservoir, and installing rain water catching ducts and filtration
systems on homes are different methods of harvesting rain water. Many people in many
countries keep clean containers so they can boil it and drink it, which is useful to supply
water to the needy. Harvested and filtered rain water can be used for toilets, home gardening,
lawn irrigation, and small scale agriculture.

Another strategy in water conservation is protecting groundwater resources. When

precipitation occurs, some infiltrates the soil and goes underground. Water in this saturation
zone is called groundwater. Contamination of groundwater causes the groundwater water
supply to not be able to be used as a resource of fresh drinking water and the natural
regeneration of contaminated groundwater can take years to replenish. Some examples of
potential sources of groundwater contamination include storage tanks, septic systems,
uncontrolled hazardous waste, landfills, atmospheric contaminants, chemicals, and road salts.
Contamination of groundwater decreases the replenishment of available freshwater so taking
preventative measures by protecting groundwater resources from contamination is an
important aspect of water conservation.

An additional strategy to water conservation is practicing sustainable methods of utilizing

groundwater resources. Groundwater flows due to gravity and eventually discharges into
streams. Excess pumping of groundwater leads to a decrease in groundwater levels and if
continued it can exhaust the resource. Ground and surface waters are connected and overuse
of groundwater can reduce and, in extreme examples, diminish the water supply of lakes,
rivers, and streams. In coastal regions, over pumping groundwater can increase saltwater
intrusion which results in the contamination of groundwater water supply. Sustainable use of
groundwater is essential in water conservation.

A fundamental component to water conservation strategy is communication and education

outreach of different water programs. Developing communication that educates science to
land managers, policy makers, farmers, and the general public is another important strategy
utilized in water conservation. Communication of the science of how water systems work is
an important aspect when creating a management plan to conserve that system and is often
used for ensuring the right management plan to be put into action. The conservation of water
is extremely important in order to preserve wildlife habitats. There are many organisms in
temperate regions who are affected by shortages in water. Additionally, many freshwater
organisms are increasingly feeling the impacts of water pollution as it disrupts the ecosystem.
 The Importance of Water Conservation: Protecting Our Most Valuable Resource:
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.
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.

Due to the increasing environmental pollution, the drops of water, which transmit life force to
all the living beings, flora and fauna of the earth, is becoming contaminated. Therefore, the
crisis of clean drinking water is the biggest crisis for the existence of human beings on this
earth. The only solution to this problem is to bring awareness which requires immediate
attention of individuals, institutions and government.

Man may reach the heights of material progress and scientific achievements, but his life is
incomplete without water. It is necessary for all of us to understand that it is only through
water conservation and water management, we can overcome this crisis which is threatening
our existence. It is being observed that size of rivers and traditional water sources are
reducing day by day and this can lead to water scarcity in the near future times.

Water is nectar

For thousands of years, man searched for the nectar as described in mythological texts. But
he didn’t understand that water obtained from pure and natural sources is that nectar which
provides him with life force and good health. Water is life and he is living in a world of
modernity and materialism where he has forgotten the importance of water. He is thus, facing
health related diseases and environmental disaster.

Man is destroying the natural and traditional sources of water due to his greediness. Due to
indiscriminate urbanization and industrialization, pollution of underground water and rivers
is continuously increasing as all toxic chemical substances (industrial wastes) are secreted
into the river. This is giving rise to shortage of clean drinking water. Drinking water obtained
through scientific techniques and methods can never be a substitute for pure and naturally
obtained drinking water.

If there is water, there is future

The golden future of man does not depend on the human settlements being built on the moon,
but on pure natural drinking water. Pure drinking water is the golden future of humanity.
Nature responds to our vibrations and natural resources were pure and pristine during the
Golden Age. Satyuga (Golden age) is the world where clean and pure water is available
through natural sources. It has been proved by the modern scientific researchers that the
positive waves (vibes) generated by human thoughts makes water pure, satwic and energetic.

Man can attain economic prosperity and attainment only by conserving water. So, water
conservation is our primary and essential need. Clean air can be obtained only from clean
water. Water is speaking to man in silent language, ‘You conserve me, I will give you life.’

Need for water conservation

Water conservation is essential for making the earth green by reducing deserts, expanding the
continuously shrinking water streams of rivers, raising the underground water level and for
the well-being, progress and prosperity of human beings.

In order to conserve rain water, motivate people to make ‘Rain Water Harvesting System’ in
their house-courtyard, fields, open fields, etc. This step is the urgent need and call of the time.
The underground water level can be raised by stopping the wasted water by making small
dams. Ground water can be used as per minimum requirement. This is also a meaningful step
towards water conservation.

Objectives of Water Conservation:

 Creating awareness among the people about water conservation through water
management.
 Motivating people to conserve water by ‘Rain Water Harvesting System’, in the land
available with them.
 Encouraging traditional sources of water conservation such as digging ponds and
drains or building small water storages on sloping land.
 Motivating people to plant trees on vacant lands and fields.
 Motivating farmers to save water by irrigating with sprinkler method.
 Seminars can be conducted to create awareness about water conservation.
 Organizing Essay & debate competition for school or college students so that
awareness can be created for water conservation.
 Various fairs and exhibitions can be organized for farmers and villagers to create
awareness for water conservation.
 Religious and social organizations can play an important role in creating awareness
among youth and women about water conservation.
 To make people aware about water conservation through printing press, electronic and
social media.
 To bring awareness in every house towards water conservation.

Why do we need to Conserve Water?

Conserving water helps us by supplying more amount of water for longer usage. It has
become necessary in all areas because these natural resources are reducing along with the
increasing population and their usages. There are several ways to conserve water. Here are
some important and easy ways for the conservation of water
  Keeping the tap closed when not in use.
 Check for the openings or leaks in water distribution pipes.
 Make sure to use collected rainwater for gardening or washing purpose.
 Always have a measure of how many buckets of water is wasted in a day and try to
reduce.
 Do not run more water than necessary while washing and cleaning clothes, utensils,
etc.
 Do not prolong your bathing. Go for a quick shower rather than wasting buckets of
water
 Rainwater harvesting is one of the best methods used for conserving water. There are
different methods used to preserve rainwater instead of getting it wasted.

Farmers can also contribute to this system of conservation of water by using Drip irrigation
system in their fields. This is a type of irrigation system which can be practised by all framers
to save water. In this system, water is directly supplied to the plant roots and prevents water
from being wasted by evaporation.

Water Saving in Agriculture

Many farmers throughout the world rely on groundwater, nearby water sources, and
pumping supplies to water their crops. Conventional agriculture is known for its high-water
usage. However, water conservation in agriculture has become increasingly important for
the health of the environment and the sustainability of agriculture. By using water more
efficiently, better-yield crops can grow while using less water, contributing to preserving
one of nature's most valuable resources.

 Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to provide crops with the necessary water and
nutrients for optimal growth. This method delivers water and nutrients directly to the root
zone of each plant in precise amounts and at the right time. As a result, farmers can achieve
higher yields while using less water, fertiliser, and energy. Drip irrigation allows for precise
and targeted application of resources, reducing waste and maximising the efficiency of
water and nutrient use in agriculture.

 Capturing and storing water

Water harvesting and reuse systems are designed to collect and store runoff and
stormwater, which can be used later for various purposes. These systems have local
benefits, such as reducing runoff volume and preventing water quality degradation
downstream. They also contribute to sustainable water management by utilising collected
water for future use, reducing reliance on freshwater sources, and promoting water
conservation. These systems provide multiple benefits, including local water availability,
reduced runoff, improved water quality, and enhanced overall water resource management.

 Irrigation scheduling
Irrigation system managers use irrigation schedules to determine the appropriate frequency
and duration of watering. Water management considers the method of irrigation, as well as
the amount, timing, and frequency of water application. Farmers regularly monitor weather
forecasts, soil moisture, and plant conditions to adjust their irrigation schedules accordingly
and prevent both under-watering and over-watering of their crops. This proactive approach
helps optimise water use, ensuring that crops receive the right amount of water at the right
time for optimal growth while avoiding water waste and potential negative impacts on plant
health and productivity.

 Crops resistant to drought

Farmers can enhance their crop productivity per unit of water by cultivating crops that are
well-suited to the local climate. Drought-resistant crops are particularly advantageous, as
they can reduce the risk of crop failure during periods of water scarcity, improve overall
yields, and enhance economic stability for farmers.
Additionally, these crops can contribute to water conservation efforts, which are vital for
sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation. By growing crops adapted to the
local climate and requiring less water, farmers can optimise water use, mitigate risks
associated with drought, and promote long-term sustainability in agriculture.

 Dry farming
Dry farming is a method of crop production that does not rely on irrigation during dry
seasons, but instead utilises moisture stored in the soil from the previous rainy season. It is
a location-specific, low-input strategy for growing crops within the constraints of the
climate. In this approach, a crop may receive minimal irrigation or none at all. This method
emphasises maximising the natural moisture content of the soil and adapting crop choices
and management practices to suit the local climate, with the goal of achieving sustainable
crop production with minimal water use.

 Compost and mulch

The combination of compost and mulch can be highly effective in improving soil health
and fertility. Compost is incorporated into the soil prior to planting, while mulch is applied
around plants after they have been established. Both compost and mulch can be produced
on-farm, making them a cost-effective technique for farmers to enhance soil quality.
Compost enriches the soil with organic matter and nutrients, while mulch helps conserve
moisture (by slowing evaporation), suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature.

 Conservation tillage
Conservation tillage refers to a collection of farming techniques aimed at reducing soil
erosion, conserving water, and enhancing soil health. These practices create a protective
layer on the soil surface that helps retain moisture, making them particularly beneficial in
regions with limited water availability or frequent drought conditions. By minimising or
eliminating traditional tillage methods that disturb the soil, conservation tillage helps
maintain soil structure and organic matter, reduce water runoff, and prevent erosion.

 Cover crops
Cover crops play a vital role in protecting bare soil from erosion, water loss, and
compaction by providing a protective layer that reduces the impact of wind and water
erosion. They also compete with weeds for water and nutrients, helping to control weed
growth and potentially reducing the need for herbicides and other chemical inputs. Cover
crops are a form of carbon farming practice that can enhance water preservation and soil
health. They are planted between primary crop cycles to protect the soil from erosion,
improve soil fertility and water retention, and offer additional benefits such as weed
suppression.

 Organic farming
Organic farming encompasses a set of farming techniques that prioritise using natural
methods and materials to promote soil fertility, reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, and
conserve water. For instance, crop rotation helps to diversify the types of crops grown in a
field over time, reducing the risk of nutrient depletion and pest build-up and promoting
healthier soils that can retain water better.

Water saving in Industries

We can save water in industries by creating awareness in employees, measuring water

consumption, optimum use of water, recycling of water, installing water saving equipment’s,
routine checks for pipes etc.

Only 3% of water on Earth is pure and can be used for daily routine. Out of 3% water 5-10%
(as of 1999) water is consumed for industrial purpose. As world population will grow water
consumption also will grow. By 2030 it can go up to 15-20%, so there is need to spread
awareness on ways to save water in industries by reducing its consumption. Also, it will help
Company to reduce their water bills. Normally in Industry water is used for Plant and
equipment cooling, product cleaning and Preparation, cooling, and applying paint and dyes to
product.

Below mentioned 10 ways on how to conserve water in industry.

Educate your employees: Build understanding in your employees why water is important
and let them innovate ways to water conservation. You can announce awards in your
company for identifying and innovative solutions to reduce water consumption.

What is current water Consumption: You need to know your current water consumption to
set target for next cycle. It can be month or quarter or year. It will help you to identify peaks
times, locations which are using more water, leaks and equipment’s.

Routine Checks: Installation on Monitoring, water pressure meter and water flow meter will
help to identify leakage in pipes, joints or valves.

Minimal use in Cleaning: To avoid high water consumption we can shift to electric brooms,
vacuum cleaner or other cleaning devices (like squeegees etc.) in initial process. Wash
equipment’s as and when required than regularly. Reduce the uses of water sprinkler.

Equipment modification: Ensure that sprayer angle is perfect on product. Also use triggers
to stop water flow, reduce water flow and pressure wherever possible without affecting
performance to conserve water in Industry.

Install Water saving Equipment’s: There are plenty of water Conservation equipment’s are
available. Consider using them. Such as toilet systems, tap aerators, also replace tap from
high volume to high pressure and low volume.

Water Recycling: It is wrong assumption that all processes require pure drinking water
(potable water) in business. We can reuse water (Non-Potable) in plant wherever possible.
Let’s say for fire protection, pH adjustment we can use non-potable water. Installation of
cooling tower to recycle water with efficient refrigeration loop can save up to 25% of total
water consumption.

Ways to reuse Water: We can save water in Industries by Reuse Uhle-box seal water, Reuse
of Centrifugal pump seal water, reuse vacuum pump seal water, use condenser water for
steam makeup.

Reverse Osmosis: Consider installing reverse osmosis unit to treat water. Although energy
consumed by this plant is much higher but it worth it.

Effluent and sewage water treatment plant: Installing and maintaining ETP (effluent
treatment plant) and STP (sewage treatment plant) in industry area to treat waste water, so
that it can be recycled for flush in toilet and floor cleaning.

Water Conservation in Construction Industry

Water conservation in the construction industry is of paramount importance due to the

substantial water demands associated with construction activities. The construction industry
consumes vast amounts of water for activities like site preparation, concrete mixing, dust
control, and equipment cleaning.

Implementing water conservation measures can significantly reduce the environmental

impact of construction projects, conserve water resources, and mitigate the strain on local
water supplies. Techniques such as rainwater harvesting, efficient irrigation systems, water-
efficient fixtures, and wastewater recycling can be employed to minimize water consumption
during construction. Additionally, promoting awareness and providing training to
construction workers and contractors on the importance of water conservation can foster a
culture of sustainable water use within the industry. By prioritizing water conservation
practices, the construction sector can play a vital role in preserving water resources and
promoting sustainable development.

Water Conservation in Service Industry

Water conservation in the service industry is essential to reduce water usage and minimize
the environmental impact of operations. The service industry encompasses a wide range of
sectors, including hospitality, restaurants, entertainment, and healthcare, all of which rely on
water for various purposes such as cleaning, sanitation, and customer services. Implementing
water-efficient practices such as installing low-flow faucets and toilets, fixing leaks promptly,
and optimizing water-intensive processes can significantly reduce water consumption.
Additionally, raising awareness among employees and customers about the importance of
water conservation can foster a culture of responsible water use within the service industry.
By prioritizing water conservation efforts, the service industry can contribute to the overall
sustainability goals and help conserve this valuable resource for future generations.

Water management Strategies

About 70% of earth is covered by water but still water is limited resource and is also
threatened worldwide. Good quality, non-saline water is a global asset, most important in
satisfying the increasing demand for basic food, fiber and fodder. Decline in per capita
consumption of water due to increasing population and drought has led to growing concerns
about water scarcity. Also due to urbanization, haphazard industrialization, intensive
agriculture, poor waste management practices etc more and pollutants are being discharged in
the environment further contaminating surface as well as groundwater. Being, its differential
availability in different parts of the word, the agricultural activities account for the largest
share, about 70%, followed by industry 22%, domestic need 4% and reservoir account for
4%.

India has the largest rural drinking water supply program in the world and serving almost
more than 740 million people. It is expected that around 2020, India will be a “water
stressed” country with decline in per capita availability to 1,600 cubic meter/person/year. A
country is said to be water stressed when the per capita availability of water drops below
1,700 cubic meters/person/year. The aquifers throughout the world are under stress due to
increased pumping from existing wells or development of new wells. Though, the health
status of majority of the Indians is far from the satisfaction when compared to the developed
nations.

So, the challenge is to improve the water quality and quantity in the water bodies. To meet
the challenge, management is one of the main priorities to improve the availability of this
resource. Water conservation measures are the first-line option for the control and
management of water. So, what is water conservation? Water conservation can be described
as “Any beneficial reduction in water use or in water losses”. Conservation measures involve
reducing the mass emission of drainage water and are include:

 Source reduction through sound irrigation water management;

 Shallow water table management;
 Groundwater management; and
 Land retirement.
While conservation programs differ from city to city, they are generally designed for the
representative customer in a service region. Source reduction plays a major role in dealing
with problems caused by the shallow, saline groundwater. In the developing country like
India, conservation measures required as large tracts of land to drain in inland basins without
adequate disposal facilities.

Balancing competing uses of surface water in stream and off-stream and groundwater, while
protecting water quality, is challenging the limited water supplies in a way that require new
solutions for responsible use. Reservoirs, created by damming streams and sometimes
pumping water from other surface waters, are often the first choice of water authorities
seeking to meet demand due to the apparent quick fix provided by the ease of creating a large
amount of storage. However, adverse impacts of impoundments and withdrawals (direct or
for pumped storage) are well documented in the literature and include effects on the
impounded areas, as well as upstream and downstream reaches.

Water management

The change in global surface temperature, rainfall pattern, evapo-transpiration, and extreme
events and its possible impacts on the hydrological cycle are pertinent to reassess the
availability of water resources. It is necessary to implements the water use efficiency
programs, which include water supply, water conservation and water recycling, reduce
demands on the existing water supplies and delay or eliminate the need for water supply for
an expanding population. In order to meet the needs of existing and future populations, the
Nation’s water must be sustainable and renewable to protect the habitats and ecosystems. The
sound water resource management, which emphasizes careful, efficient use of water, is
essential to achieve the objectives of water conservation. “Water management is the activity
of planning, developing, distribution, managing and optimum use of water resources under
defined water policies and regulations”. The following are the measures to be taken to
conserve the water:

Development of water saving technologies

Despite being the fastest developing country; India has poorly managed waterways. Among
the developed countries, water leakage (which is not available for billing) is estimated to be <
3%, whereas in India, water leakage/pilferage is 45% at most. Development of new supplies,
treatment and distribution infrastructure, and associated costs such as land acquisition and
debt servicing can be very expensive in comparison to implementing water
conservation/efficiency measures. Dams and reservoirs can cost $4,000 per 1,000 gallons of
capacity whereas water efficiency costs between $0.46 to $250 per 1,000 gallons saved or
new capacity (GEPD, 2008). The following are six best water utilities practices which can be
undertaken them in considering water efficiency as an alternative to development of new
supplies (USEPA, 2016).

Water System Management: Supply side and demand side accounting

Why do toilets and lawns drink the same water as humans do? Make the most of water rather
than letting it go down the drain or into the street. There are a number of opportunities every
day to reuse water. The multi tap supply system plan could make use of various source of
water like reservoirs, recycled wastewater and desalinated seawater is necessary for various
uses in the house. Plumbing systems are the primary network for transport and control of
residential water to and from the home. Plumbing systems distribute potable water within the
residence, and dispose of wastewater (both gray water and black water) to sewage systems.
Innovative methods can be implemented affordably for minimizing both water use and
available water wastes in plumbing system designs. These include selection of efficient
plumbing fixtures, appropriate layout and locations of fixtures, and reclaiming grey water for
use in landscaping irrigation.

Water Loss Minimization: Leak management

Leakage represents the largest real losses of water for most systems, and may result from a
range of conditions, including material weaknesses and physical stresses. Operational
problems such as excessive pressure or rapid changes in pressure, corrosion, seasonal stresses
leaks at connections and fittings, and accidental or deliberate damage. Leakage should be
managed proactively, cost-effectively and economically for effective stewardship of a shared
and increasingly scarce resource. To maintain leakage at economically low levels (the
amount of leakage that can be feasibly reduced from an economic perspective), a utility
should be implemented in leakage management plan and/or water loss control program
addressing each of the four pillars described by AWWA: Active leakage control, Optimized
leak repair activities, Pressure management, and System rehabilitation and renewal.

Metering of consumed water

Domestic water supply using meter and water charge leads efficient use of domestic water
and conservation of energy for better livelihood. Measuring water thru water meter is used in
industrial and residential uses but is not being practice in irrigation system. In many
developing countries, measuring domestic water supply (hot and cold), drainage water and
tax accordingly are most commonly practice. Metering utilities should not only implement at
end users, but also of all water sources including groundwater, surface water, water
purchases, and/or reclaimed water. The detailed information collected from meters can help
in identifying unseen sources of leakage and prioritize abatement measures.

The application of water meter done by Navdeep Apartment, a registered cooperative housing
society namely “Panchsil Memnagar cooperative housing society limited Vibhag-1” in 1995
achieved the significant reduction in water as well as electric current. Around 76 apartment
owners having 270 people lived in four blocks had agreed and decided to distribute water
through meter in year 2013. They had decided to collect charges as per use of water to cover
their operational expenditure to maintain water supply system. Navdeep experience of water
meter proves that before water meter water installed there were electricity bill, which was
around 2.3 times (base on electricity consumed). It means that use of water was almost 2.3
times more than current water used. It is beneficial to consumer that it leads to less
maintenance charge to them. Ultimately, judicious use of natural resources will lead the
sustainability.

Conservation rate structure

Water utilities estimate the potential demand reductions from pricing water for efficiency
before pursuing a reservoir or building an intake, treatment plant, or transmission system.
Managing demand through pricing can also be an advantage to the utility in that revenues
may remain level or even increase if set to account for elasticity of demand. Inclining block
rates (also known as increasing or inclining tier rates) – Conservation pricing can be
accomplished with a tiered fee system which includes a base charge for fixed costs and a
variable rate for volume of water consumed. Although increasing block rates have been
favoured in many recommendations as most likely to support conservation-oriented
behaviours by end users, some simpler rate structures (such as uniform rates) can send
customers stronger conservation price signals, as well.

End use water conservation and efficiency analysis

In order to determine which efficient water conservation programs and policies will be most
effective in managing demand, a water utility need to understand the makeup of its customer
base and conduct a thorough assessment of end use water efficiency measures. The
performance-based targets are important in determining how to secure savings to offset water
supply needs and use water efficiency and conservation as a “least environmentally damaging
practicable alternative.

Water conservation practices can be followed by residential users, industrial and commercial
users, and agricultural users. They can also be followed by local utilities and/or regional
water supply plants. Low-flow plumbing fixtures and retrofit programs are permanent, one-
time conservation measures that can be implemented with little or no additional cost over the
lifetime of the fixtures. The most commonly recommended low-flow plumbing fixtures are
pressure reduction devices, faucet aerators, toilet displacement devices, low-flush toilets,
low-flow showerheads, and plumbing modifications for grey water reuse. Toilet
Displacement Devices: Non-toxic bricks or plastic containers can be placed in a toilet tank to
reduce the amount of water used per flush. By placing between one and three such containers
in the tank, more than 4L of water can be saved per flush. A toilet dam, which holds back a
reservoir of water when the toilet is flushed, can also be used instead of the displacement
device to save water.

Water conservation and efficiency plan

The idea is to capture water that has been used once, treat it to sub-potable standards, and
then reuse it for purposes that don’t require drinking-grade water. Aside from toilet flushing
and irrigation, that can also include using the stuff to cool a building and avoid using a costly
air conditioning unit.

Watershed management

It is an urgent need to manage the watershed, a meeting point of climatology and hydrology
so as to absorb the climatic shocks likely to come from the erratic climatic patterns expected
in near future. This can be done only through practicing soil and water conservation
techniques for artificial recharge during rainy season and through construction of small
percolation tanks for artificial recharge during the dry season. Small water storages or tanks
created in the sub-basins by bunding streams and gullies, store runoff water and recharging
ground. These practices increase the residence time from a few months to a few years of
water in the basins thus increased the percolated water available in the wells even during the
summer season of a drought year. India is well enriched with the knowledge of hydrology
science for water conservation. The floods and droughts were regular occurrence in ancient
India and this why every region in the country has its own traditional water harvesting
techniques that reflect the geographical peculiarities and cultural uniqueness of the regions.

The cities of Indus Valley Civilization are well evidenced by the excavations having
excellent water harvesting and drainage systems. The basic concept underlying all these
techniques is that rain should be harvested whenever and wherever it falls. Rajasthan, a large
part of which is covered by the Thar Desert, has had a long tradition of water conservation.
The builders of the famous Bundi and Chittorgarh forts had the vision of exploiting the
natural catchments in the forts created by undulating hilltops. As long as people have
inhabited the drylands and have cultivated crops, they have harvested water. Ephemeral
streams (wadis) and water collected in wadi beds and cisterns, supported people’s livelihoods
in the arid and semi-arid areas many thousands of years ago, and allowed the growth and
development of cities. Millions of hectares of land in the dry parts of the world must once
have been cultivated using water harvesting, but, for a variety of reasons, this practice has
steadily declined.

Water harvesting
Water harvesting may be defined as “the process of concentrating precipitation through
runoff and storage, for beneficial use”. Water harvesting may occur naturally or by
intervention. Besides being applied to agriculture, water harvesting may be developed to
provide drinking water for humans and animals as well as for domestic and environmental
purposes. Four main groups of water harvesting techniques can generally be distinguished:
micro and macro-catchments, floodwater harvesting and storage reservoirs. Typical micro
catchment techniques involve the delineation of natural depressions, the construction of
contour and stone bunds, systems for inter-row water harvesting, terracing, construction of
semi-circular (half-moon) and triangular (V-shaped) bunds, eyebrow terraces, Vallerani-type
micro-catchments, pits, meskats and negarim.