IMPORTANCE OF CONSUMING WATER

Importance of Consuming Water

Importance of consuming water

Introduction

Domestic water consumption can be greatly reduced through individual technical measures, such as flow-limiting taps or water-stop flush buttons for toilets. Installation of individual meters (for a household) to monitor usage and the costs related to it is essential (Blackmore, 2006). Modern washing and dishwashing machines are significantly more water efficient than earlier models (down from 150 to less than 60 liters in 25 years, reaching less than 30 liters per washing cycle in Europe). Moreover, changing personal behavior could halve total water consumption; for instance, through the replacement of a seal from a dripping tap, and stopping the tap while brushing teeth. It is important to encourage end-users to install water-saving devices at the time of their investment, for example, when they build a house or factory.

Thesis Statement

Changing personal behavior could halve total water consumption. End-users will only do so if they are aware of the water-saving options and the benefits in terms of cost savings. End-users would need to be encouraged to invest in water-efficient fittings through the amendment of by-laws and codes that regulate building practices. However, the best tool in developed countries for reducing water consumption and waste is to increase the price of water for a high standard product.



Discussion

Approximately two-thirds of total water consumption is used by the agricultural sector, 20 percent is consumed by industry, and 10 percent by private households. However, regional differences exist. In Europe, more than half of the water consumption is used by industry. In Asia and Africa, the agricultural sector consumes more than 85 percent of the available water. It has been estimated that the global water demand will rise by 20 percent for agriculture, about 50 percent for industry, and 80 percent for private households until 2025 (Gumbo, 2008).

Agriculture, especially irrigation, is globally the largest user of freshwater, consuming about 70 percent of all water withdrawn from rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Efficient water management practices and improved irrigation technologies are crucial in reducing water use in agriculture. Irrigation scheduling involves managing the soil water reservoir in such a way that water is available when crops need it (Blackmore, 2006). It is necessary to determine all variables of the water cycle. The easiest method of soil moisture monitoring is to observe the soil appearance at various soil depths within the root zone. Other methods to measure soil moisture content, like ...