The Reality of Our Water Resources
Water is an essential resource for all forms of life, yet its availability and quality are increasingly threatened by various factors. The current conditions of water resources worldwide necessitate urgent attention and concerted efforts. This article will explore the reality of water conditions, the impact of climate change, India’s management of its water resources, and the importance of collaborative solutions for a sustainable future.
Types of water resources
FACTORS AFFECTING WATER AVAILABILITY AND QUALITY
Climate change plays a significant role in altering the availability and quality of water resources. Rising temperatures accelerate glacial melting, which affects the flow of rivers and contributes to water scarcity. Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, further disrupt the water cycle. Additionally, climate change influences rainfall patterns, leading to imbalances in precipitation distribution and affecting water availability in different regions.
Besides availability, maintaining the quality of water is also an important issue to be addressed in a densely populated country like India. Pollution is the biggest obstacle while maintaining quality of water. Bacterial and organic pollution have turned out to be the major water quality issues. The increasing domestic discharge of sewage from urban households and the inability of municipal corporations to handle the waste has further aggravated the problem.
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Consequences of poor water quality
Contaminated water entering the ground water can lead to many disastrous ramifications. Polluted water and bacteria affect the growth of crops and upset the irrigation system. The loss of agricultural revenue also hampers the economy of the country and can also reduce its GDP.
In addition to that, the consumption of such unclean water results in many water-borne diseases including typhoid, cholera and hepatitis affecting millions of people every year in India. Besides humans, water pollution also has an adverse impact on the environment and freshwater biodiversity. Toxic industrial waste from pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals leads to algal bloom and the death of many aquatic animals.
How is India managing its water resources
India faces significant challenges in managing its water resources. As per a 2017 assessment, ground water units in 17 states and union territories were classified as over-exploited. States like Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Karnataka had a high percentage of their ground water units in this category.
The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to address water needs and improve water health. These initiatives include the National Water Mission and the Jal Jeevan Mission, aimed at providing safe and accessible drinking water to all households. Furthermore, there is a growing focus on water conservation, watershed management, and the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies.
Larger companies, too, have diverted their attention to the crisis and made efforts to make a difference. Creating solutions ranging from flocculation and reuse of industrial water, companies are making their contributions. Not just the larger companies and the government, but individual citizens in India are striving to make a genuine, meaningful impact. An important duo to note, is Anto Biju and Thomas Cryriac, two engineering students who created a water filter that costs less than a dollar. It is comparatively small in size, however it has been designed to filter out dangerous microorganisms.
Similarly, many impressive companies and organizations are creating affordable and targeted solutions to ensure clean water. Solutions like adsorbers– iron adsobers and arsenic adsorbers make sure that invasive iron contents and arsenic contents, that are harmful for consumption, are safely extracted from the drinking water. Affordable filters like silver ceramic filters give bacteria-free water, filter unsafe solids, remove odor, colour and taste and are easy to use.
Working together for a better future
Addressing the core problem of water scarcity and pollution requires collaborative efforts from governments, communities, and organizations. To ensure a sustainable future for water resources, it is essential to adopt integrated water resource management practices. This includes efficient water use in agriculture, implementing wastewater treatment systems, promoting rainwater harvesting, and raising awareness about water conservation at all levels of society.
To maintain the health of water resources, it is crucial to prioritize sustainable practices. This includes adopting eco-friendly farming techniques, promoting efficient irrigation systems, and reducing industrial pollution. Additionally, investing in research and technology to monitor water quality and identify emerging challenges can help in early detection and timely intervention. Sustainable, cost-effective and easy solutions like filters are a no-brainer as well.
In conclusion, the reality of water conditions worldwide necessitates immediate attention. Climate change, pollution, and overuse pose significant threats to water resources, impacting ecosystems, livelihoods, and public health. India’s efforts in managing its water resources and improving water health serve as valuable examples. However, addressing the core problems requires collaborative action, efficient water management practices, and the adoption of sustainable solutions. By working together and investing in innovative approaches, we can secure a better future for our precious water resources and ensure the well-being of current and future generations.
About NICHEM
Long-standing Specialty Chemicals player with ISO 9001:2015 certification and a history of providing specialty solutions for over 25 years. The company is headed by senior chemical industry specialists with the combined expertise of more than 100 years. With an emphasis on eco-friendly, non-toxic products, the company’s primary strength is research, development, and customization. More information on NICHEM can be found at https://nichem.solutions.
