by Nayab Naseer

Created on: February 25, 2009

Water covers around two-third of the earth's surface. However, only around one percent of this water is accessible freshwater. The rest is either saltwater found in oceans or water trapped in glaciers. The ever-increasing population places even more pressure than before on the available sources of freshwater and some experts opine that freshwater would become increasingly scarce in the near future, and that people might even fight wars over water.

Until such time alternative sources of water like desalination or other schemes become popular, the need of the hour is to reduce consumption of water.

ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

The government has a key role to play in limiting water consumption. Instead of handing over management of this vital natural resource to capitalistic forces, the government should play a pro-active role in water management. The aim of the government in the realm of water management should be to encourage conservation and punish waste.

The primary task of the government in water management should be to fix tariffs in such a way that excessive consumption is discouraged. The ideal way would be by fixing a nominal charge for the base quantity, which would be the average requirement for an individual or a household, and charge higher as the usage goes up.

Studies have proved that industries need to use only one-third of the water they current use even without changing their production processes. The onus is on the governments to draft effective legislations and implement the same towards this end.

Another area where the government can play an effective part is by ensuing the end users make optimal use of their water sources. The government can insist on technologies like rainwater harvesting or wastewater recycling before sanctioning building permits.

The government can also insist on adoption of new water saving gadgets like low capacity flush toilets and reducers on taps. They can provide tax exemptions to such items and conversely tax other water guzzling alternatives substantially.

Finally, the onus is on the government to ensue no wastage takes place through leaks in the main pipes, and plugging any leaks instantly.

ROLE OF NON GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS (NGO'S) AND LARGE CORPORATIONS

The role of the NGO's and large corporations in reducing consumption of water is underestimated.

Many people are not aware of the imminent water crisis, or even if they are aware, do not know how to reduce consumption of water. The primary aim of the NGO's is to spread awareness.

NGO's

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