World Water Day: Why Water Scarcity is becoming a Global Challenge

We all are aware of the phrase “Water is Life”. But how many of us are working towards saving water. Water scarcity is becoming a huge problem globally. 

What is Water Scarcity?

Water scarcity is the lack of freshwater resources to meet the standard water demand. Humanity is facing water crisis due to unequal distribution - some regions are wet while some are dry. 

Why has drinking water been a global crisis? 

It is important to mention that two-third of the worldwide population live under conditions of severe water scarcity at least one month of the year. Half a billion people in the world face severe water scarcity all year round.  

The United Nations has long been addressing the global crisis created by insufficient water supply to satisfy basic human needs and growing demands on the world’s water resources to meet human, commercial and agricultural needs. 

How is the situation in India? 

More than half of the population has no access to safe drinking water, and about 200000 people die every year because of lack of access to safe water. India is currently facing the biggest crisis in its history. Approximate 82% of rural households are running their life without piped water supply. 

Are we all ready to save water from now? 

Yes, we all should conserve water. Conserving water is essential because it keeps water pure and clean while protecting the environment. Saving water means using our water supply wisely and be responsible. 

Do you have any ideas about how we can reuse the water? Let us explore some of them for you: 

• Place a bucket under the shower- you can keep the bucket under the shower to use the collected water for plants and flushing the toilet. 

• Water plants with rice/pasta water- We all boil the rice, pasta, macaroni thrice a week minimum. We can use rice water for our hairs; it works as a conditioner. Pasta and macaroni water can be used in the plant instead of dumping into the sink. 

• Reuse water from your old pet bottles- We have a habit of keeping a water bottle in the car, especially in summer, and that is the season when we face the water scarcity maximum.  We use to collect the bottle from car after long and throw the unused water while using that water for painting, for dusting purpose, can give it to pets if you have. 

• Use a rain barrel to save water from your roof- Placing a rain barrel under your downspout will allow you to collect all the rainwater that would otherwise float downstream; you can use that water to put in inverter batteries, use it in gardening, or even can wash your car. 

• Reuse the water you washed your veggies with- Water that you use for washing your fruits and vegetables can be used for indoor and outdoor plants. 

Apart from reusing the water; there are many other ways to save water like below: 

• Take shorter showers.

• Keep the tap off while brushing the teeth and while putting soap on your hands during washing.

• Check your water pipes for leaks.

• Use your fully automatic washing machine and dishwasher for full loads only.

• Water your loan only when it needs it.

• Don’t let the faucet run while cleaning the vegetable and fruits.

• Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks, and steps.

• Don’t run the hose while washing your car.

As Water day is approaching, we hope all of you will start thinking about saving water from today itself. Let’s take a pledge on the upcoming water day to conserve water as much as possible then only we will be able to survive. Our generations will learn the value of water and make a practice of saving water.