Tinkle's Den

Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink!

In the last century, several wars were fought over oil. However, in this century, experts predict that majority of wars will be fought over control and use of water bodies. Growing deforestation, melting of glaciers, pollution, etc. have put serious pressure on available water resources. The United Nations celebrate June 5 as World Environment Day. But is one day enough to save the environment?

Scientists predict that an ancient glacier feeding the River Ganga will melt by the end of the twenty first century due to climatic changes caused by global warming. Initially, this may cause flooding of the river, but eventually, the river may run dry, which can have disastrous effects on the lives of millions.

Saving water is a big thing, but every little bit helps, so don't think that what you do doesn't matter. Every single person doing at least a little bit adds up to a whole lot. Water conservation should be a way of life, not just something we think about once in a blue moon. Water conservation means using our water wisely and caring for it properly.
Since each of us depends on water for survival, it is our responsibility to learn more about water conservation and also educate other folks who are unaware of what a precious treasure water is.

Water conservation is not a job that is just for the soil scientist, hydrologist, forester, wildlife manager, plant scientist, city planner, park manager, or farmer alone. It is a job for any ordinary person who just likes to have access to the life sustaining resource of water. We must all recognise that water conservation really is our personal responsibility and we must not just leave it up to others.

We all enjoy the many ways that we use water, so why not do our part in caring for our water?

Our water supply is not infinite, if we save water now, we are helping to ensure an adequate water supply for future generations. But how to save water? We can start by taking shorter showers, making sure that there are no leaking taps or pipes near our respective homes, using less water while washing dishes and clothes etc. We can also encourage others to work as a group and start a rainwater harvesting project.

We use water for many, many different things like making electricity, cleaning, cooking, irrigating, etc. Nowadays one needs to pay for water in the cities. Saving water saves money. We need to be thoughtful while using water, so that others are not deprived of this very essential commodity. I see people lavishly wasting water because they think it is plentiful, even when they have to pay for it.

By the way, the percentage of fresh water is three percent but we can use only one percent as the other two percent is locked up in glaciers and ice caps. After a few decades or centuries, the total percentage of drinking water may fall to about something which is practically nonexistent.

So hurry and SAVE WATER BEFORE THERE IS NO MORE!!!