Technical methods to conserve water

Rainwater Harvesting : 
Rainwater harvesting is the gathering and collection of water from the rooftop. The traditional method of rain water harvesting is the most effective and simple way to conserve the water. It means utilization of rain water for the domestic as well as agricultural purposes. There are three technical methods of rain water harvesting such as Catchment, Conveyance and storage. 

Historical Water Bodies : 
There are many traditional water bodies which have been in disuse for the longer time. These bodies can be reused as the recharging points.

Ponds :
Steps should be taken to avoid dumping of sewage into the village ponds. Efforts need to be made to deepen these ponds with the dragline machines. Garbage and other waste sholud not be dumped into the ponds.

Water Conservation

A step to conserve water is the step to secure the future. The most essential among all the natural resources on earth is water. A drop of water is worth more than a sack of gold for the thirsty man. If each one of us make efforts to save water today , it will save us later. Water conservation is the most effective and environmentally sound method to fight global warming. Water conservation is what that can reduce the scarcity of water. It aims to improve the efficiency of use of water, and reduce losses and waste. 


Tips to save water :

• Avoid leakage of water from the taps.
• Turn the tap off when not in use especially when you brush your teeth or wash clothes.
• Rainwater harvesting is the another method to conserve water.
• The water supply should be limited in those areas which enjoys the unlimited water supplies.
• Check the leakage of water in the toilets. Also get check the hidden water leaks.
• Educate the mind of the people in the rural areas to save the water.
• Promote the conservation of water through media and wall posters.
• Never throw the water unnecessary on roads which can be used for gardening and cleaning.
• Avoid unnecessary flushing the toilets. Dispose off the tissues, cigarettes and other waste into the bin instead of toilets.
• Use minimum amount of water to bath.
• Water Waste restrictions.
• Improvement in the water distribution system.
• Water your lawn only when it is needed.
• Use a broom instead of hose to clean the sidewalks or to wash the car.
• Capture the water that is leaking and repair it as soon as possible.
• You can use washing machine to wash clothes that does not consume much water.
• Donot leave the tap running while washing the dishes in the kitchen.
• Install small shower heads to reduce the flow of water.

Benefits to Conserve water :

• If you save water it can save your money bills.
• Reduction in interior water use cuts waste water flows, especially overflowing of gutters which contaminates the environment.
• Environment benefits include eco system and habitat protection.
• Water conservation helps in improving the quality of your drinking water.

WATER IS LIFE

Save Water Save Lives (SWSL) is an activity (program) to supply clean water to desperate people in underdeveloped countries through a planned system of water catchment, storage and reticulation. Also to instruct the Nationals in methods of concrete tank construction and encourage them to maintain and protect the water supply system. Education in hygiene is also offered

The Activity involves teams of RAWCS SAVE WATER SAVE LIVES VOLUNTEERS who travel to areas in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, India, Indonesia for a period of 10 days, to instruct the Nationals in the skills of concrete tank construction ranging in storage capacity from 2,000 litres to 40,000 litres The method using steel formwork moulding is used in earthquake prone areas where trans- port is available A system of ferro-cement tank building is used in inaccessible locations such in mountainous regions It is very cost efficient and does not need the heavy (4 tonnes) steel formwork, using instead bird wire and very light reinforcing. Working manuals have been produced to assist in the instruction.

Over 350 concrete tanks using the steel formwork method have been built since 1986, many of the projects have attracted Rotary Foundation 3H Grants, Matching Grants and AusAID subsidies Various other types of tanks are used where necessary such as fibre glass tanks and Aqua-Iok kit steel tanks with plastic liner, and Rotartanks are popular because of ease of transportation, slung under a helicopter.

Other water projects such as tube wells in Zambia to piping water to tap-stands in 12 villages from a spring in the highlands near Mt Hagen PNG are projects which were designed by the Engineering and Health Departments of provincial Governments. The World Health Organisation has also been involved in the planning of projects. Funding only projects are listed in the Projects Funding (IPAC SWSL) section Funds are always required.

Water Pollution Solutions

There are several steps that can be taken to help prevent water pollution from getting worse.

Conserve Soil

Erosion is one of the biggest causes of water pollution today. When you take steps to conserve soil, you are also conserving water and water life. Planting vegetative covers, strict erosion management and implementing beneficial farming methods are just a few of the many possible approaches to soil conservation.

Dispose of Toxic Chemicals Properly

It’s always a good idea to use lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) products in your home whenever possible. If you do use toxic chemicals, such as paints, stains or cleaning supplies, dispose of them properly. Paints can be recycled and oils can be reused after treatment. Proper disposal keeps these substances out of storm drains, water ways and septic tanks.

Keep Machinery in Good Working Order

Oil is one of the largest polluters of water in the world. It’s estimated that just the transportation of oil is responsible for .0001 percent of oil contamination in water. Take steps to ensure you aren’t adding to this problem by repairing oil leaks in cars and machinery as soon as they are spotted. Clean up the residue and dispose of the used oils properly.

Clean Up Beaches and Waterways

Just picking up waste and litter wherever it is spotted can go a long way to keeping debris and pollutants out of the water. Do your part by taking your own trash, other wastes and any you see to a nearby disposal facility.

Avoid Plastics When Possible

Plastic bags in the ocean is a well documented water pollutant. Keep this problem from getting worse by changing to reusable grocery bags whenever possible.

Get Active and Get Involved

Is there a company near your home that releases heat, coolants or chemicals into a nearby waterway? You can get involved. Contact the EPA, local authorities or write letters to the heads of companies. Spreading an awareness of problems is a big first step toward combating them.

While water pollution solutions may seem like too little, too late when viewed in the light of major oil spills and floating plastic bag islands they are necessary to prevent these problems from growing worse. Simply slowing down the rate of pollution can give the environment and scientists time to find long-term solutions to the very real problems of water pollution. If you do your part to prevent pollution in your area, then you’ll be helping to protect aquatic life.

The costs of water pollution in India

Unless there have been some environment related acts in India as early as the nineteenth century, 

the first significant laws  regarding the protection  of environmental resources appeared in the 

1970's with the setting up of a National Comimittee on Environmental Planning and

Coordination, and the enactment of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 

Since then, three  main texts have been passed at the central level, that are relevant to  water

pollution :   the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, the Water (Prevention 

and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 and the Environment (Protection) Act (1986). 

The Water Act 1974 established the Pollution Control Boards at the central and state level.   

The Water Cess Act 1977 provided the Pollution Control Boards with a funding tool, enabling 

them to charge the water user with a cess designed as a financial support for the board's activities. 

The Environment Protection Act 1986 is an umbrella legislation providing a single focus in the 

country for the protection of environment and seeks to plug the loopholes of earlier legislation 

relating to environment.  

The law prohibits the pollution of water bodies and requires any potentially polluting activity to

get the consent of the local SPCB before being started. 

Composition : Each board is composed of a chairman and five  members, with agriculture 

fisheries, and government-owned industries having representation.  

                 

The CPCB has overshight powers over the various state boards. It sets emission standards, and 

lays down ambient standards. The CPCB also conducts nation wide surveys about the status of

pollution, and of pollution mitigation. 

Two programs of inland water quality monitoring have been  set up so far, leading to the 

spreading of  480 measurement stations over the  main river basins of the country. These two

programs are the Global  Environment Monitoring System (GEMS) and Monitoring of Indian

Aquatic Resources (MINARS). The ganga river is subject to a dedicated program called Ganga 

Action Plan (GAP) under which a water quality control network as been set up in the ganga basin. 

The measurement are made in different kind of medium (river, wells, lakes, creeks, ponds, tanks, 

drains and canals) and 25 physico-chemical and biological parameters are monitored. 

The implementation of the national environmental laws, and the enforcement of the standards set

by the CPCB is decentralised at the level of each state, with the SPCB in charge of this role. The

SPCB can demand information from any industry about the  compliance  with the Act. Non-

2compliance can be punished with fines up to Rs. 10000, and imprisonment up to three months. In

case of continued non-compliance, an additional  daily fine of  5000 Rs. can be imposed. Until 

1988, the only enforcement tool of the SPCB was criminal prosecution. This was revised by the 

1988 amendment to the Water Act of 1974. The  boards now  have the power to close noncompliant companies or to cut their  water and power supply. The ultimate recourse remains 

public interest litigation in front on the supreme court. During the last decade, the supreme court 

has been involved several times in large scale environment related measures. In April 1995 for 

example, the Supreme Court of India, in a public interest litigation case, has ordered that 538 

tanneries located in 3 clusters in Calcutta generating about 30 mld of effluents be shifted from the 

city to a leather complex and a CETP (Common Effluent Treatment Plant)be provided to treat the

effluent generated from the complex. In 1996, it has ordered the closure of all tanneries in Tamil 

Nadu that had not set up pollution control systems.

However, control and sanction is not the only way of interaction between the boards and the 

polluting entities. Under the Water  Cess Act of 1977 state boards  may charge industries and 

municipalities with a water cess calculated on the volume of water consumed, and for consent

fees. Nevertheless any fee levied by the SPCBs have to be sent to the central government. The 

central government is then supposed to return 80% of the fees to the SPCBs 

Water Conservation Devices

Water conservation should not be considered an option any longer. Current circumstances require our full attention if we hope to thrive as a civilization. If these statements sound dramatic, it is because much of the world is currently suffering due to a lack of clean water.

(1)Rain Harvesting:-

Rainwater harvesting is a technology used for collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops, the land surface or rock catchments using simple techniques such as jars and pots as well as more complex techniques such as underground check dams.

(2)Showerheads:-

•(1.5 GPM) Powerful, two-setting massage spray showerhead that does not sacrifice performance for efficiency

•Flow control technology: greater force at low pressure!

•Rated #1 showerhead by leading industry organization

•Conserves water and saves money while enhancing pressure, performance and appearance! • 9-jet turbo massage is adjustable: gentle needle spray to forceful jet

•Saves 40% more energy & water

•Non-removable flow compensator

•Non-aerating spray means less temperature loss with maximum energy savings

•Pressure-enhancing construction • Consistent flow rate regardless of water pressure

•Self-cleaning and maintenance-free

•Installs easily by hand and without tools

•Corrosion-resistant, high-impact ABS thermoplastic body

•Meets or exceeds ANSI specifications

•California Energy Commission-certified

•10-year guarantee

(3)Teflon Tape:-

This product is used to quickly seal indoor and outdoor leaks, thereby saving lots and lots of water.

(4)Tankless Water Heaters:-

A tankless water heater provides hot water only when needed. It heats water on demand.

Here’s how it works:-

You turn on the hot water tap, the system rapidly heats cold water (which travels through a pipe into the unit), and hot water flows to your tap as long as you’d like. That means you won’t run out of hot water in the middle of a shower.

Because of the energy efficient capabilities of tankless water heaters you will notice big savings in your monthly utility bills. 

Water Conservation Technology

Water conservation should not be considered an option any longer. Current circumstances require our full attention if we hope to thrive as a civilization. If these statements sound dramatic, it is because much of the world is currently suffering due to a lack of clean water.Statistics around the reveal that our fresh water supply is practically nonexistent. That is why it is so important to seek out, find and start using all the innovative water conservation solutions and methods that are available today.

Water Conservation ideas are cropping up in exciting legislation. That’s why our participation in the voting process is so important. Let’s act now, so our kids will have a brighter, greener future.

Water Conservation Technology / It’s on the rise…

The importance of the conservation of water is on the rise. And factors such as global warming and increased population are just a couple of elements that play a role. Luckily there are many things we, as citizens of the Earth, can do to help.There are numerous water conservation devices available in many retail stores and online that are also affordable. These pages on water conservation are piece of the solution since they help to educate the public as well as offer solutions.

Water Conservation Technology / Companies Making a Difference

As water conservation awareness increases, more companies become determined to provide water-efficient technological advancements that contribute to worldwide water conservation efforts. The solutions available today do not only include water-efficient equipment but also entire systems that reduce usage and wastage.

Leaks are significant sources of wasted water. Often, much water has already been wasted when leaks are found. Nowadays, consumers are beginning to invest in various technologies such as leakage detection equipment and water consumption software so they can tackle water conservation in the home. Companies leading these technological advancements include Instrotech, Hydroshare, and Accurate Detection.

Even appliance companies have produced more water-efficient products. Dishwashers and washing machines have greatly reduced water usage. The type of equipment that previously used 40 liters per load now use about 18 liters. They are mostly those that are developed by companies like Whirlpool, Asko, Fisher & Paykel, and Bosch.

Bathroom fixtures have also become more water-efficient. Old showerheads and taps use up to 20 litres of water per minute. Today, showerheads use 9 litres or less while newer tapware typically use only 4 liters per minute. Toilets and urinals have also become more water-efficient as most now provide the option for either full or half flushing.

Typically, modern toilets use 4.5 litres of water per full flush while old ones use up to 23 liters. Other technology such as hot-water-on-demand equipment have also reduced water wastage. Some companies at the forefront of these developments are Zip Industries, Pacific Products, and Caroma.

Water Conservation Technology / Freedom

Numerous waterless solutions are also becoming popular. Products such as Freedom Waterless Car Wash provide ecologically safe alternatives to running hoses that can flow at up to 30 liters per minute. Using synthetic grass, mostly from Smartgrass and Grass Solutions, has also grown to be an acceptable alternative to water-dependent landscapes.

Those who still prefer natural landscapes can benefit from various horticultural advances. These include water-efficient irrigation systems and horticultural software developed by companies such as Yates, Davey Water Products, Waterwise Systems, Toro, Ladco, and ecoCare.

Various other products that reduce water loss or improve water retention include modern mulches and soil enhancers mostly from companies like Enviromix, Fytogreen, and Waterlog International.

Water Conservation Technology / Greywater

But perhaps the most significant contributors to water conservation are greywater systems as well as rainwater and stormwater harvesting equipment. These do not only ensure efficient harvesting but also safe as well as proper treatment and distribution of reusable water.

Some of the most technologically advanced companies in this industry are Water Pros, ecoCare, Davey Water Products, Wattworks, ADG Global Supply, and Nylex.

These companies continue to research and develop more technologically advanced solutions to address the increasing need to conserve water. While all the recent advancements are enough to drastically reduce the amount of clean water we use, it is up to us to make the conscious decision to take advantage of modern technology for the benefit of the environment and future generations.

Marin Debris

Marine debris, also known as marine litter, is human created waste that has deliberately or accidentally become afloat in a lake, sea,ocean or waterway. Oceanic debris tends to accumulate at the centre of gyres and oncoastlines, frequently washing aground, when it is known as beach litter or tidewrack. Deliberate disposal of wastes at sea is calledocean dumping.

Some seeming forms of marine debris, such as driftwood, occur naturally, and human activities have been discharging similar material into the oceans for thousands of years. Recently however, with the increasing use of plastic, human influence has become an issue as many types of plastics do not biodegrade. Waterborne plastic poses a serious threat to fish, seabirds, marine reptiles, and marine mammals, as well as to boats and coastal habitations.Ocean dumping, accidental container spillages, litter washed into storm drains, and wind-blown landfill waste are all contributing to this problem.

Researchers classify debris as either land or ocean-based; in 1991, the United Nations Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution estimated that up to 80% of the pollution was land-based. 

The Indian Ocean Garbage Patch, discovered in 2010, is a gyre of marine litter suspended in the upper water column of the central Indian Ocean, specifically the Indian Ocean Gyre, one of the five major oceanic gyres.The patch does not appear as a continuous debris field. As with other patches in each of the five oceanic gyres, the plastics in it break down to ever smaller particles, and to constituent polymers.

Ocean Dumping

Pollution of the open seas by human activities has become a serious problem. Ocean dumping is the dumping or placing of materials in designated places in the ocean, often on the continental shelf. A wide range of materials is involved, including garbage, construction and demolition debris, sewage sludge, dredge material, and waste chemicals. In some cases, ocean dumping is regulated and controlled, while some dumping occurs haphazardly by ships and tankers at sea, or illegally within coastal waters. Incineration at sea of organic wastes, with subsequent dumping, has been allowed as a viable disposal process, both in the United States and in Europe.

An important, but little recognized source of ocean dumping is the elimination of bilge water from tankers carrying oil and other products. Bilge water can contain a number of toxic chemicals, as well as biological agents that can affect marine ecosystems and marine organisms, some of which are subsequently consumed by humans. Dumping of radioactive wastes and soil from contaminated nuclear defense sites has periodically been suggested as a viable disposal method, and canisters of nerve gas have been disposed of at sea. In addition to permitted ocean dumping, there is always the possibility of collisions, groundings, and accidents that result in de facto ocean dumping, often of materials not otherwise allowed.

At one time, drums containing hazardous waste were dumped, but the disintegration of canisters caused sufficient concern to halt this process. Some of the drums containing hazardous chemicals were dumped in shallow seas, such as the North Sea, that are intensely fished, creating a potential risk to humans from the consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish.

There are three main direct public health risks from ocean dumping: 

(1) occupational accidents, injuries, and exposures; 

(2) exposure of the public to hazardous or toxic materials washed up on beaches; and 

(3) human consumption of marine organisms that have been contaminated by ocean disposal. 

Periodically, medical and other wastes from both legal and illegal dumping have washed up on beaches, resulting in exposure to beachgoers and, in some cases, the closure of beaches until the wastes could be removed. Consumption of fish and shellfish contaminated from radioactive wastes may pose a serious problem worldwide because of nuclear waste dumping in the oceans.

Water Crisis

The water you drink today has likely been around in one form or another since dinosaurs roamed the Earth, hundreds of millions of years ago.

While the amount of freshwater on the planet has remained fairly constant over time—continually recycled through the atmosphere and back into our cups—the population has exploded. This means that every year competition for a clean, copious supply of water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and sustaining life intensifies.

Water scarcity is an abstract concept to many and a stark reality for others. It is the result of myriad environmental, political, economic, and social forces.

Freshwater makes up a very small fraction of all water on the planet. While nearly 70 percent of the world is covered by water, only 2.5 percent of it is fresh. The rest is saline and ocean-based. Even then, just 1 percent of our freshwater is easily accessible, with much of it trapped in glaciers and snowfields. In essence, only 0.007 percent of the planet's water is available to fuel and feed its 6.8 billion people.

Due to geography, climate, engineering, regulation, and competition for resources, some regions seem relatively flush with freshwater, while others face drought and debilitating pollution. In much of the developing world, clean water is either hard to come by or a commodity that requires laborious work or significant currency to obtain.