Increasing Sustainability by Economical Use and Exploitation of New Sources
Increasing Sustainability by Economical Use and Exploitation of New Sources
Definition
- Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Economical use in this context refers to the efficient use of water resources ensuring minimal waste.
- Exploitation of new sources implies harnessing previously unused or underutilized water resources, such as rainwater, atmospheric moisture, and desalinated seawater.
Potential New Sources of Water
- Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater that falls on roofs or other suitable catchments.
- Atmospheric water generators extract water from humid ambient air. Can be used in areas with sufficient atmospheric humidity, and especially useful in disaster-relief scenarios.
- Desalination involves removing salts and minerals from seawater or brackish water to produce fresh water.
Benefits of Economical Use
- Resource conservation: Economical use of water helps in conserving water resources for future generations and during scarce times.
- Reduced energy use: Treating and pumping water is energy-intensive, so using water economically can help to save energy.
- Cost saving: Efficient use of water can help in reducing water and energy bills.
Benefits of Exploiting New Sources
- Diversification of water supply: New sources increase water availability and remove sole dependence on traditional sources such as groundwater or surface water.
- Self-sufficiency: Rainwater harvesting, for instance, can make households and communities self-reliant in their water needs.
- Salinisation prevention: Desalination can provide fresh water in coastal areas and prevent the salinisation of aquifers due to over-extraction.
Strategies for Increasing Sustainability
- Water-efficient technologies: Implementation of low-flush toilets, efficient irrigation systems, water-saving appliances can significantly reduce water usage.
- Greywater recycling: Reusing water from sources like sinks, showers and washing machines for non-potable uses like irrigation can conserve freshwater.
- Public education and awareness: It’s essential to enhance understanding of the value of water and promote water-saving habits.
Remember, sustainable use of water resources is not only about preserving them for the future but also about ensuring equitable access to water for all.