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saving water for a sustainable future

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SAVING WATER FOR A SUSTAINABLE
FUTURE
   RAM BOOJH & SALOMÉ GUEIDON

Water is a crucial natural resource without which, there would be no life on Earth. However, 97 percent of water is in the
oceans which are salty and cannot be used for drinking purpose. Of the remaining 2.5 percent that is fresh water, most
is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps. As a result, only less than 1 percent of the Earth’s water is available for drinking.
Moreover, the Earth’s water supply is fixed. This is why it is important to conserve and sustainably use it for the health
of human society, life support systems and maintaining ecosystem services of the planet earth. In India, ensuring
water security is a way to ensure food and nutritional security as well as economic security. The National Water Policy
and National Water Mission are all smart steps in this direction.
 WATER@UNESCO 
SAVING WATER FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

INTRODUCTION WATER CRISIS The World Economic Forum (WEF),

Water is a crucial natural resource
without which, there would be no
life on Earth. Water also affects
our health, lifestyle, and economic
well being. Water covers about 75
percent of our planet, so it appears
plentiful and because of this, the
earth is called as water planet or
blue planet.
However, 97 percent of water is
in the oceans which are salty
and cannot be used for drinking
purpose. Of the remaining 2.5
percent that is fresh water, most
is frozen in glaciers and polar ice
caps. As a result, only less than 1
percent of the Earth’s water may be
available for drinking.
Moreover, the Earth’s water supply
is fixed: no new water is being
made. The existing water supply
is continuously recycled. Demand
on water is also increasing for
various human uses. Water is the
basis of growth and development.
With rapid urbanisation, increasing
consumerism and growing of
commercial crops, water resources
are getting extremely stressed.
For feeding billions, we need more
productive agriculture which
is responsible for 70% of water
abstractions worldwide. Industrial
demand for water is overcrossing
the limits, as well. These activities
produce large volume of wastes
thus polluting the very same water
resources.
Water is no longer a luxury and
an easily available resource
now. It has already become a
scarce resource. One third of the
population lives in countries where
there isn’t enough water or where
water quality is compromised. This
is expected to reach two third of
the population by 2025.
Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) in 2012 has categorised mainly
three types of water scarcity:
• Scarcity in availability, i.e.
physical water shortage
• Scarcity in access to water
services, when water is available
but institutions fail to deliver it to
users
• Scarcity due to the lack of
adequate infrastructure because
of financial constraints
whose membership includes heads
of state, CEOs, and civic leaders,
ranked water crises as the top global
risk to industry and society over
the next decade in its 11th edition
of the Global Risks Report (2016).
The report is viewed as a distillation
of the concerns of the world’s
most influential businesses and
governments, is a warning signal for
turbulent times.
Water crises, which ranked first in
2015 for impact, fell to number three
in the 2016 report. However, it was
deemed the risk of greatest concern
over the next 10 years, thus being on
the top spot as the most damaging
short-term risk. Water was also among
the top priorities during the Paris
climate talks.
“Water has become a serious
social issue.”
— Erwann Michel-Kerjan, Wharton
Risk Center

Water is an essential ingredient of

sustainable development (Boojh
et al 2014). It is important to
conserve and sustainably use it for
the health of human society and
for life support systems and for
maintaining ecosystem services of
the planet earth.

thewaterdigest.com 23
 WATER@UNESCO
SAVING WATER FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Water related natural disasters are
the greatest risk in terms of their
devastating impacts on human life,
livelihoods and natural resources.
Between 1991 and 2000, over 665,000
people died in 2,557 natural disasters
of which 90% were water related.
Under business-as-usual scenario,
45% of global GDP, 52% of the
world’s population and 40% of grain
production could be at risk due to
water stress by 2050 (WWDR 2016).
Two thirds of the world’s population
currently lives in areas that experience
water scarcity for at least one month
a year. About 500 million people live
in areas where water consumption
exceeds the locally renewable water
resources by a factor of two.
Highly vulnerable areas, where
non-renewable resources (i.e. fossil
groundwater) continue to decrease,
have become highly dependent on
transfers from areas with abundant
water and are actively seeking
affordable alternative sources.
The water situation is getting worsened
due to climate change and extreme
weather events causing severe
24 thewaterdigest.com
variations in temperature and rainfall.
The frequency and severity of floods
and droughts are likely to impact water
regimes in water resources of the
world. The crisis in Syria was, among
other factors, triggered by a historic
drought (2006–2010).
Apart from water availability in
terms of quantity, the issue of water
quality is also becoming serious with
increasing discharge of pollutants
in the water sources. The lax
implementation of pollution control
laws in many countries often results
in the discharge of untreated effluents
both industrial and domestic, thus
polluting water bodies and rendering
them unfit for human use or any
biological activity. Water quality issues
are becoming more acute in poorer
and resource-deprived countries and
communities as it impacts human
health and ecosystems, contributing
to water scarcity and constraining
sustainable economic development.
WHY SAVE WATER?
Water is connected to all aspects of
life and livelihood as well as growth
and development. Its lack has major
consequences on human society and
is the main cause for environmental
degradation, desertification and land
degradation mainly affecting the poor,
marginalised and weaker sections
of society. Therefore, prudent use
of water resources is so important
for the well-being and sustainable
development of the human society.
Water availability limits growth of
humans and other forms of life
on earth. Water related disasters
in the form of floods, droughts,
cyclonic storms and consequent
desertification and calamities
incur heavy loss of life and property
resulting in severe deprivation and
diseases. These calamities are
directly linked to the huge loss of
life, livelihoods and properties. Loss
of crops and livestock impacts food
and nutritional security. These can
trigger conflicts as has happened
during the famine in Horn of Africa in
2011 which threatened the livelihood
of more than 13.3 million people
(WWDR 2012).
Conservation and sustainable
management of water is essential
to avoid wars and conflicts, and
establish enduring peace, as also
sustainable development. Most of the
water-stressed regions in the world
are prone to conflicts and wars. In
India, there are conflicts over water
in many states. Ensuring water
security is therefore a way to ensure
food and nutritional security as well
as peace and security. Saving water
can also have economic benefits
which, according to research, would
exceed the investment needed by 3 to
6 times.
The World Health Organization
(WHO) and the World Bank have
found that for each US dollar invested
in sanitation, the global economic
return would be of US $5.50 (UN
Water 2015).
 WATER@UNESCO
SAVING WATER FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

WATER CONSERVATION
AND SDGS
On 25 September 2015, the 193
countries of the UN General
Assembly adopted the 2030
Development Agenda, titled
“Transforming our world: the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development”. This agenda
includes a set of 17 Sustainable
Development Goals (SGDs) to
overall improve our condition by
ending poverty, fighting inequality,
injustice and tackling climate
change by 2030. The Goal 6 is
specifically about “clean water
and sanitation”, it is also closely
interconnected with all the other 16
goals. By ensuring availability and
sustainable management of water
and sanitation for all, we contribute
to the achievement of global
sustainable development.
HOW TO CONSERVE
WATER?
Water conservation and
management has to be at both the
policy and individual levels. At the
policy level, sound and science
based policies are needed both at
the global and national level. The
SDGs adopted by the UN represent
the common will of humanity in this
direction which provides a basic
framework for national level policy
actions. Similarly, Paris Climate
Agreement and Sendai Framework
for Disaster Risk Reduction are
international policy instruments,
impacting water policies of individual
nations.
India tackles the issue of water
conservation at both the national
and state levels. A National Water
policy was adopted in 1987 and
then revised in 2002 and 2012. The
objective is to govern planning and
development of water resources at
the national level. It emphasises the
need for river basin based planning
of water use. Water allocation priority
has been given to drinking water,
followed by irrigation, hydropower,
navigation and industrial or other
uses. The National Water Policy
emphasises a participatory approach
for water resources management.
It has been recognised that
participation of beneficiaries will help
optimise the upkeep of the irrigation
system and promote the efficient
use of irrigation water. The National
Action Plan on Climate Change
(NAPCC) launched by Government of
India on 30th June, 2008, envisages
the approach to be adopted and meet
the challenges of impact in climate
change through eight National

SDG 6 is subdivided into 8 specific targets, the last two being

means of implementing the other outcomes:
6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation,
6.2
paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations
By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimising release of
6.3 hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially
increasing recycling and safe reuse globally
By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals
6.4 and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering
from water scarcity
By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary
6.5
cooperation, as appropriate
By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers,
6.6
aquifers and lakes
By 2030, expand international cooperation and capacity building support to developing countries in
6.7 water and sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water
efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies
Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation
6.8
management

26 thewaterdigest.com
 WATER@UNESCO
SAVING WATER FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Missions including National Water
Mission (NWM). The Ministry of Water
Resources has set up National Water
Mission with the main objective of
“conservation of water, minimising
wastage and ensuring a more
equitable distribution both across
and within States through integrated
water resources development and
management.”
Water is the responsibility of the
States under the Indian Constitution
who plan and manage water
resources development through
their respective Irrigation and Water
Supply Departments. As per the
mandate, all the states are required
to develop their state water policy
within the framework of the national
water policy and, accordingly, set up
a master plan for water resources
development. Government of India’s
responsibility is confined to advice,
co-ordination and settlement of
disputes over right on the water of
Inter-State Rivers.
The Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) and respective
State Pollution Control Boards
ensure implementation of water
pollution control acts including
water quality monitoring, and the
preparation and implementation
of action plans to solve pollution
problems.
Groundwater is regulated through
the Central and State Groundwater
Authorities. The Government of
28 thewaterdigest.com
India has established the integrated
Ministry of Water Resources,
River Development and Ganga
Rejuvenation for the holistic
management of water resources of
the country.
Water conservation also needs to be
addressed at the individual level. This
is more concerned with the changing
of individual mind sets and raising
awareness about saving water in the
day-to-day life. Some simple changes
in water usage can go a long way in
conservation of water.
Reducing wastage of water also
helps save water for uses by birds,
animals and crops and also saves
energy needed for treating and
pumping water for use in our
homes. Preventing water pollution
and conserving water will help to
ensure an adequate supply of usable
water for ourselves and for future
generations. Using water wisely
helps to protect the quantity and
quality of our water resources.
Wise water use can also help people
to save money on water, sewers and
energy bills. It helps to reduce the
demand on water treatment and
wastewater facilities and reduce the
amount of waste put into rivers and
streams.
There are numerous steps that can
be taken by individuals to save and
reuse water, a sample of which is as
below:
• Eat local foods, seasonal fruits
and vegetables preferably
organic. This will reduce one’s
water foot print of diet.
• Reducing meat consumption will
help in reducing both water and
carbon footprint.
• Avoid waste of water during
brushing tooth, bathing,
washing clothes and any other
such activity.
• Collect rain water; install
rainwater harvesting system in
your homes and gardens.
• Launch awareness campaigns
designed to address problems
and suggest solutions to water
conservation. Individuals can
be engaged through the use
of Social Media like Facebook,
Twitter, etc.
• Water conservation awareness
should be created through radio
and television as well through
print media newspapers and
booklets, posters and pamphlets.
• Children and youth in
schools and colleges should
be engaged in creating
awareness about water
issues in a variety of creative
ways e.g. essay, painting and
other competitions, street
plays, conferences, workshops,
seminars, etc.
 WATER@UNESCO
SAVING WATER FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

EXAMPLE OF A BEST PRACTICE IN WATER CONSERVATION

“Chennai, like most Indian cities, is struggling to meet the thirst of its eight million people. In the absence of
perennial rivers, the city has traditionally depended on the rain that it captures in lakes, ponds and aquifers.
While the city continues to keep an eye on distant rivers, it is also experimenting with innovative options such
as rainwater harvesting, sewage recycling and desalination to avoid the high energy costs associated with
transporting water over long distances. Following two consecutive drought years in 2002 and 2003, the city
managed to develop India’s most successful rainwater harvesting programme by making rainwater harvesting
mandatory in all houses. It is also the first city in India to recycle sewage and has now started venturing
into desalination. It is estimated that about 75% of the houses in the city now have rainwater harvesting and
recharging systems and a study conducted in 2007 found that the groundwater table in the city had risen by
almost 50%, from an average of 6.18 m in 2004 to an average of 3.45 m in 2007. MetroWater, Chennai’s water
supply and sewerage authority, earns INR 120 million per year by selling sewage to the Chennai Petroleum
Company, which in turn treats the sewage in its 41 million litres per day capacity reverse osmosis plant and turns
it into water for its use. The company has found reclaiming sewage to be a more reliable and cost-effective option
than other sources. Overall in 2008−2009, only 12% of MetroWater’s total cost was for electricity, which is much
lower than most other Indian cities. From Narain and Srinivasan (2012)”.

(Source: WWDR 2014)

30 thewaterdigest.com
 WATER@UNESCO
SAVING WATER FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

In 2010, the Sustainability Survey Poll on Water asked 1200 leading international experts in 80
countries what they saw as best solutions for water conservation (Circle of Blue 2010).
• Change of consumption and • Develop a system of desalination
lifestyle, including for the that uses less energy
industry that uses up to 22%
of freshwater • Improve water catchment and
harvesting
• Develop new technologies
that allow saving water • Involve communities at the
but having low energy grassroots-level to develop more
consumption inclusive and effective national
policies
• Recycle wastewater
• Improve distribution
• Improve irrigation for infrastructures
agriculture, which consumes
about 70% of the world's • Public-private partnerships,
freshwater for example between sewage
treatment plants and clean
• Price water to reduce waste energy producers that could
and pollution, by use wastewater to fertilise
highlighting its value biofuel crops

32 thewaterdigest.com

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Shivali Sugandh 2014: Securing
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3. FAO Water report 37, 2012.
Irrigation in Southern and
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4. FAO Water 2015: http://www.
fao.org/nr/water/issues/topics_
scarcity_poverty.html
5. Panel on Biotechnology of
the World Commission on Water
for the 21st Century. 1999.
Biotechnology and
Water Security in the 21st
Century.
6. Sanderson, Nick. 2012. Liquid
gold: the Economics of Water
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ram Boojh
Programme Officer for Ecological Sciences, UNESCO Cluster Office for South Asia
Salomé Gueidon
Intern, Ecological Sciences, UNESCO Cluster Office for South Asia
View publication stats
WATER@UNESCO 
SAVING WATER FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
trading markets. Presidio
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thewaterdigest.com 33