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.