The alarm sounded by the World Bank over the sinking ground water table in India is not new. Experts and agencies both inside the country and outside have many times drawn attention to the depletion of ground water, shrinking of water bodies and the prospect of a severe shortage of water in the coming years. The awareness that water is no longer a free and plentiful natural resource but is a precious economic commodity and imperiled social asset is yet to sink in. Therefore over-exploitation, misuse and lack of conservation and augmentation efforts are the norm in the country. The scenario is bleak across the world, provoking comments that countries may in future go to war over water. But the situation is specially critical in India with an increasing population exerting greater pressure on the resource for agricultural, drinking water and industrial purposes.
The World Bank has projected that 60 per cent of the country’s ground water blocks will be in a critical condition by 2025. The over-use of water could lead to a reduction of agricultural output by as much as 25 per cent and lead to serious drinking water shortages. Industry will also be badly affected by the shortage. The only solution is efficient use of water at personal and community levels and conservation. Better irrigation techniques, distribution of water through leak-proof canals and education of farmers on the optimum use of water will help to stop the depletion of ground water. Efficient use of water for irrigation can go a long way in maintaining the present availability. Proper user charges will help to inculcate a sense of thrift and economy among individual and domestic users. Rain water harvesting and preservation of lakes and other water bodies have been much talked about but action on the ground is unsatisfactory. More research and development of technologies are needed in areas like desalination. Budgetary allocations for water conservation and augmentation efforts are meager. They should be increased and efficiently utilized.
Tips for Conserving Water Indoors
 Verify your home is leak free. Repair dripping taps by replacing washers.
Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Use water efficient flushes, plumbing fixtures having sensors, low flow faucet aerators which require minimum water.
Turn off water while brushing teeth.
For shaving, use mug rather than using running water.
Close faucets while soaping and rinsing clothes.
Keep overflow valve in the over head tanks so as not to waste water.
Use waste water of cloth cleaning to clean the floor.
Use waste water in flush.
Don’t use running water for releasing ice from tray.
Don’t use extra detergent in washing clothes.
Don’t use running water while hand-washing clothes.
Operate automatic washing machine when it is fully loaded.
Don’t use shower/big bath tubs in bathrooms.
While going outdoor, turn off the main valve for water.
Develop habit of monitoring water meters.
Tips for Conserving Water Outdoors.
Minimize grass lawns in your yard because less grass means water demand.
Don’t over-water your lawns. A good rain eliminates the need watering for more than a week.
Water the lawns during early morning hours when temperature and wind speeds are the lowest. This reduces losses from evaporation.
Try to use waste of dish washing/cloth cleaning for gardening and cleaning the floor.
Check leaks in hose, pipes etc.
Use sprinkler/drip irrigation systems.
Don’t allow water to flow Into gutter.
Don’t wash floors with a hose. Use a broom.
Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. The application of excess fertilizer increases the need of water.
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