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Disturbing water statistics

A leaking tap can incur a loss of upto 100 litres of water per day. Fifty to 100 litres of water is used by a person having a shower while a leisurely bath requires at least 200 litres of water per person.

These World Water Day thoughts released by the UN Information Service yesterday, coming amid a prolonged drought in this country, are likely to prove highly unrefreshing for the average reader. For, they are likely to be reminded of the increasing scarcity of the world's fresh water resources and its implications for our future survival.

The current power crunch, among other things, reminds us of our precarious dependence on water. A power crisis could be endured by humans to a degree but not an acute water scarcity which could endanger the survival of the homo sapiens. In fact, such a crisis could steadily undermine the foundation of mankind's bare, material existence.

Unfortunately, the public reminds itself of these home truths only on special occasions and World Water Day is one such event. However, it is important to realise that the world's fresh water resources have steadily dwindled over the decades, threatening mankind with a water scarcity of unprecedented proportions. Unless every effort is made to conserve and use water resources judiciously, we are bound to be burdened with an acute shortage of the proverbial "elixir of life" too.

Over the past few years, water has emerged as a politically sensitive issue. Plans to impose water taxes and allied statutory measures have earned the outrage of sections of the public, for, access to water has been traditionally regarded as a fundamental right.

While the point of view of groups, such as the farmers of this country, on this question, has to be strongly and favourably considered, it should be obvious that the need for strong water conservation efforts cannot be ignored, given the universal nature of the water crisis.

While it is our hope that the power problem wouldn't degenerate into an acute water crisis too, no efforts should be spared by the public to use water sparingly and judiciously. This message needs to be consistently conveyed to the people by the authorities. Unless these emergency measures are taken, we would be running out of sufficient water for even domestic use very soon.

The writing is already on the wall. While the demand for water rose by six to seven times during the twentieth century, globally, this rise far outstripped the world's population growth.

So there could be no question of our using our water resources injudiciously. Starting at the domestic level, the most stringent water conservation measures need to be imposed. Leaking taps need to be repaired and water shouldn't be used extravagantly for inessential purposes, such as the washing of vehicles. Nor could we afford to luxuriate under showers. We need to act now before it is too late.

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