Most water (97%) is in the oceans, which cover 71% of the
Earth's surface. Three per cent is freshwater, two-thirds of
which is tied up as ice in glaciers and at the poles. This
leaves approximately 1% as freshwater in rivers, lakes, the
atmosphere and in groundwater.
However, with demand rising rapidly due to a growing
global population. Climate change is adding to the problem
because our weather patterns have become less predictable
and more pronounced. While a number of areas are
experiencing periods of prolonged drought, the rain that
falls in some other areas is heavier. This leads to flooding
without sufficiently replenishing groundwater stocks.
Water conservation refers to the preservation,
control and development of water resources, both
surface and groundwater, and prevention of pollution.
Water conservation includes all the policies,
strategies and activities made to sustainably manage
the natural resource fresh water, to protect the water
environment, and to meet the current and future
human demand.
Goals of Water conservation
efforts
Water availability for future generations
Energy conservation as water pumping, delivery and
wastewater treatment facilities consume a lot of
energy.
Strategies to save water
Reduction in water loss, use and waste of water.
Avoid any damage to water quality.
Rain water harvesting
Preservation of ground water resources.
Public awareness about the importance of water.
IMPORTANCE OF WATER
CONSERVATION
Fresh, clean water is limited (eg rivers, springs,
groundwater, ponds etc)
Although most of the planet is covered by water , it is
salt water and cannot be consumed without treatment
which is very expensive.
Human beings and most of the animals require fresh
water for living so it is important to conserve water to
sustain.
Why and How of Water
Conservation
The less water used or wasted by people, the less clean
water will become contaminated. In some cases, using
excess amounts of water puts pressure on septic and
sewage systems, leading to pollution of groundwater, as
untreated, dirty water goes from the sewage system into the
ground.
Water conservation reduces energy use and can even save
households money. Most families pay to use water in their
cities or regions. The less water a household uses, the less
they have to pay each period. Appliances that use water,
such as washing machines and dishwashers, also use a
considerable amount of energy.
Conserving water now allows cities and regions to plan
for more efficient use of the water resources in the
future.
HOW TO CONSERVE WATER IN
HOMES
Check pipes for leaks: A small drip from a pipe leaks
can waste about 60 litres of water per day.
Install water saving shower.
Insulate your water pipes.
Low flow taps in wash basins.
Rain water harvesting
Reuse of water for irrigation and flusing toilet and
even for drinking
Water Conservation in Hospitality
Industry
Water is essential to the hotel and tourism industry —
for food preparation, cleaning and hygiene, guest
comfort and recreation.
Hotels also depend upon their supply industries, such
as agriculture and the food and drink industries, none
of which would function without sufficient water.
Ways to Save water in Hotels
1. Staff training
Ensure staff are trained to look for leaks, that they
report them quickly and problems are responded to
swiftly.
Use a plug and a bucket when cleaning baths and
basins rather than letting the taps run.
Clean the toilet after cleaning the bath and basin so
that the water can be used for a final swill down.
Involve staff and ask them to suggest water
conservation ideas.
2 Measurement
Install sub-meters to measure specific users of water,
such as guest bathrooms.
Measure consumption on a monthly basis.
Set realistic targets.
3 Maintenance
Conduct regular inspections of taps, showers, toilet
mechanisms, overflows from water storage and pipe
joints for leaks.
Check for a leaking toilet. Add food colouring to the
cistern to detect leaks
Check that plugs are fitted to basins and that they
produce an effective seal.
4.Guest education
Communicate to guests the importance of local
freshwater resources and provide opportunities to
allow guests to use water wisely.
Encourage guests to shower rather than bath.
Suggest guests do not leave the tap running when
brushing their teeth and they half-fill the sink.
Invite them to reuse their towels and linens by opting
not to have them changed every day.
5.Fittings
Use of latest and efficient fittings which uses less
power and produces less waste.
6. Grey Water Strategies
Grey water is wastewater generated by laundry,
dishwashing, bathing etc. that can be recycled on-site.
If treated correctly grey water can be used for
irrigation and toilet flushing.
