اردو(Urdu) English(English) عربي(Arabic) پښتو(Pashto) سنڌي(Sindhi) বাংলা(Bengali) Türkçe(Turkish) Русский(Russian) हिन्दी(Hindi) 中国人(Chinese) Deutsch(German)
Thursday, November 7, 2024 14:20
Glass Skin Makeup Finding the Balance – Population Growth and Water Conservation Enabling Tomorrow: Unveiling Pakistan’s Digital Sisterhood Initiatives Mariam Malik – A Promising Squash Player Women’s Mental Health in Pakistan Muscle Spasms: Causes and Management Benefits of Adding Fish to Your Menu The Art of Table Setting for Formal Dinners Mastering the Morning Rush: A Guide to Effortless Dressing for Work Fun Activities for Chilly Winter Evenings Enhancing Facial Features with Precision and Grace Editor’s Note Dysfunctional Family Dynamics and Women Glow from Within by Nourishing Your Skin with DIY Skincare Elixirs Managing Glass Waste: An Eco-Friendly Approach Meal Planning for Beginners Mental Detox – A Break from Social Media Positive Psychology – Minimizing and Maximizing Preventing Parental Burnout Recipes Sister Zeph :A Saint of Education for the Underprivileged Strategies for Reducing Energy Consumption in Pakistan The Chimera of Freedom of Speech: India’s Suppression of Women Journalists in IIOJK Women of Conflict: Life and Struggles of the Women of IIOJK Editor's Note March 23, 1940: Reminiscing the Past For a Bright Future Accelerating Gender Equality through Economic Empowerment Investing in Women: A Catalyst for Progress Navigating Trials and Triumphs of Military Life The Iron Lady (Poem) Isra Arif: An Aspiring Pakistani Watchmaker Rethinking the Educational Landscape and Pakistani Women Eliminate Paper Clutter and Organize Your Life Digitally Fashion to Filters: Impact of Social Media on Body Image 12 Ways to Navigate the Professional Landscape Balanced Diet in Pregnancy Relaxation After Workday – a Need or a Want DIY Face Masks for Radiant Skin Recipes Editor's Note Joint Services Pakistan Day Parade A Powerful Potrayal of the Indomitable Spirit of Women Empowerment Rise of Women-led Health Startups Within Pakistan Achieving Harmony: Prioritizing Women’s Mental and Physical Wellbeing Breaking Barriers: A Woman’s Inspiring Journey to Becoming a Lieutenant Colonel To Daughters of the Nation Overcoming Challenges and Fulfilling Aspirations Beyond Boundaries: Improving Female Mobility in Pakistan’s Public Transport Networks Career Transitions: Navigating Change and Reinventing Yourself Teaching Empathy and Social Skills to Kids Dietary Fiber: Why It Is Beneficial for You Composting: How to Reduce Food Waste at Home Spring 2024: A Fresh Makeup Palette fot the Season Ahead Editor's Note Challenges of Motherhood for Working Women My Beloved Daughter A Walk Down the Memory Lane: UN Mission in Congo Everlasting Memories Unlocking Women’s Potential Through Skills’ Development Arooj Bashir A Comb of Lies: Female Targeted Disinformation Ovarian Cancer – Its Symptoms and Prevention Building Resilience and Grit in Your Children Minimalist Lifestyle: There Can Be More with Less Healthy Aging and Lifestyle Choices What Makes Reading Most Relevant Today Editor's Note SIFC Broadens Women-led Tech Horizons Womenomics and Pakistan: Analyzing Female Labor Participation in Pakistan’s Economy MINUSCA–The Voyage of a CIMIC Peacekeeper Debunking Weight Lose Myths Importance of Understanding & Managing Screen Time in Childern Zero Waste: Single-Use Product and Waste Management Lifestyle with Her Breathing is Exercising Navigating Chaos with Chai and a Smile Style with Her Acne; Breaking the Break–out Cycle Overnight Roast Leg (Parsi Style) Editor's Note Burgeoning Divorce Rate: Analysing Trends and Causes Marriage: The Second Time Around An Emblem of Merit & National Representation (Tête-à-tête with Brigadier Helen Mary Roberts) The Military Move Cord Blood Awareness Month: Celebrating Potential and Progress Freelancing: Cruising Against the Flow The Art of Becoming Your Child’s Best Friend Rediscovering Pakistan Skincare Guide for the Monsoon Season Slay All Day Recipes A Mother Reborn; A Feminist History of the Partition of Pakistan The Educational Reforms that Shaped the Pakistan Movement Impact of Independence on Pakistani Women From Plate to Waste:Making Meals Matters Sentinel of The Sky Academia or Appetite Tooth to Teeth Celebrating Pakistan’s 77th Independence The Rhyme of Resilience How to Carry a Minimal University Look Hyperpigmentation; The Bane of Pakistani Skin Dr. Shaista Lodhi In Session I am at The Crossroads of academics & future prospects Recipes Editor's Note The Unseen Battlefield: Where the Spirit of 1965 Must Rise Again Melodies of Patriotism: Noor Jehan and 1965 Indo-Pak War The Spirit of September Iron Ladies that Inspire Generations: In Conversation with the Mother and Wife of Captain Saad Bin Amir Shaheed Balancing Work and Motherhood Profile Optimization for Online Work Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Teenage Girls Water Conservation: To Give is to Receive Child Neurodiversity: Accepting and Supporting Differences Exosome Therapy and Hair loss Surviving Workplace Rumors: A Guide to Staying True to Yourself Recipes Editor‘s Note Women of Substance Serving for Global Peace Empowering Peace: A Personal Narrative as a Female Peacekeeper in a Conflict Zone Bridging Divides My Experience as a UN Peacekeeper Understanding the Basics of Breast Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know Prioritizing Mental Health: Essential Self-Care Practices for Women Resilience: Navigating Life’s Challenges and Adversities The Zero Waste Challenge: How to Set and Achieve Your Waste Reduction Goals Secrets to Smarter You as the New Parent of Your First Child The Resilient Women of Today‘s Pakistan Empowering Women in E-Waste Management Status of Women in Islam Manicure& itsBenefits Chicken Tikka Tacos Editor's Note Eliminating violence against women in Pakistan Iqbal’s Concept of Khudi and Modern Women Empowering Rural Women in Pakistan: Revitalizing Art and Culture Through Digital Tools Empowering Women for a Greener Future: Education and Capacity Building in Climate Solutions Reading as Self-Care: The Advantages of a Good Book for Women’s Mental Health Women in Tech: Navigating the New Frontier of Digital Empowerment Winter Garden Retreats: Designing Outdoor Spaces Overpopulation at the Cost of Maternal Health Layering Like a Pro: How to Stay Stylish and Warm in Winter Art of Balance: How Women Are Navigating Career and Family Life Heel to Toe Bliss Recipes
Advertisements

Syeda Alizeh Ahmed

A passionate writer of Express Tribune, she celebrates the beauty of language and storytelling. Email:[email protected]

Advertisements

Hilal Her

Water Conservation: To Give is to Receive

September 2024

Water is one of the most vital resources on Earth, sustaining life and supporting ecosystems across the globe. However, as the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and increasing population, the need for effective water conservation has never been more pressing. This article delves into the concept of water conservation, examines how climate change is affecting water resources, explores global efforts to conserve water, assesses Pakistan’s performance in this crucial area, and offers practical advice for women to conserve water domestically.



Water Conservation
Water conservation refers to the practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage. It involves strategies, actions, and practices that aim to protect water resources, ensuring that water is available for current and future generations. Water conservation is not just about cutting down on water usage but also about managing water in a way that meets human needs without compromising the environment or future supply. The overarching goal is to achieve a sustainable balance between water use and water availability.
In urban settings, water conservation might include measures such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and adopting water-saving habits. In agriculture, it involves efficient irrigation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and selecting crops that require less water. Across all sectors, education and awareness are key components of water conservation, as they empower individuals and communities to take responsible action.
Climate Change Affecting the Conservation of Water
Climate change is fundamentally altering the availability and distribution of water resources worldwide. The increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and storms are directly impacting water supply and quality.
Climate change is causing more prolonged and severe droughts in many regions, reducing the amount of available freshwater. Droughts decrease the amount of surface water in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs while also depleting groundwater reserves. For example, the 2020-2021 drought in Pakistan severely impacted agricultural production and led to a significant decline in water levels in major reservoirs.
Glaciers and snowpacks are critical sources of freshwater for many regions, especially in countries like Pakistan, where the Indus River depends on the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. Climate change is accelerating the melting of these glaciers, leading to short-term increases in river flow followed by long-term reductions, which could result in severe water shortages in the future.
As global temperatures rise, so do sea levels. This rise in sea level causes saltwater to intrude into freshwater aquifers, particularly in coastal regions. In Pakistan, the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan are already experiencing salinization of groundwater, which reduces the availability of freshwater for drinking and agriculture.
On the flip side, climate change is also increasing the frequency and intensity of floods. These floods not only damage infrastructure and displace communities but also contaminate water supplies with pollutants and pathogens, making water conservation more challenging.
The combined effects of these climate change impacts create a complex and dynamic challenge for water conservation efforts. Adaptation strategies must be developed and implemented to ensure that water resources remain available and sustainable, even as the climate continues to change.
Global Steps for Water Conservation
Countries around the world are implementing various strategies to conserve water, recognizing that sustainable water management is critical for future generations. These strategies include both technological innovations and policy measures.
Innovations such as drip irrigation, low-flow fixtures, and smart water meters help reduce water wastage in agriculture, industry, and households. In Australia, which faces frequent droughts and water scarcity, rainwater harvesting has become a crucial method for conserving water. Many households and farms in rural areas collect and store rainwater from rooftops in large tanks. This stored water is then used for various purposes, including irrigation, livestock watering, and domestic use, significantly reducing the demand on municipal water supplies and preserving groundwater resources. This practice has been particularly impactful in arid regions like Western Australia, where every drop of water is vital for sustaining agricultural activities and daily life.
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a holistic approach to managing water resources that considers the entire water cycle, from source to consumption. It involves coordinated management of water, land, and related resources to maximize economic and social welfare without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. The European Union, for example, has implemented IWRM principles through its Water Framework Directive, which aims to achieve good status for all water bodies across member states.
Rainwater harvesting is a simple yet effective method of conserving water. It involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use, reducing the demand on municipal water supplies. In India, several states have made rainwater harvesting mandatory for new buildings, helping to replenish groundwater levels and reduce dependence on external water sources.
Recycling and reusing wastewater is becoming increasingly important in water-scarce regions. Treated wastewater can be used for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, industrial processes, and toilet flushing. Singapore’s NEWater initiative is a leading example, where advanced treatment processes turn wastewater into high-quality reclaimed water, reducing the country’s reliance on imported water.
Educating the public about the importance of water conservation is essential for changing behaviors and attitudes toward water use. Campaigns like Pakistan’s “The Water Campaign (TWC)” have successfully raised awareness about water conservation, encouraging individuals to adopt water-saving practices in their daily lives.
How is Pakistan Faring in the Issue?
Pakistan, a country heavily dependent on its water resources for agriculture, industry, and domestic use, is facing a growing water crisis. With a rapidly increasing population, urbanization, and the impacts of climate change, the pressure on Pakistan’s water resources is intensifying.
Pakistan’s per capita water availability has dropped from 5,600 cubic meters in 1947 to less than 1,000 cubic meters today, pushing the country into the category of “water scarce.” The Indus River, which provides 90% of the country’s water supply, is under severe stress due to overextraction, pollution, and reduced flow from melting glaciers.
Agriculture consumes over 90% of Pakistan’s freshwater resources, yet water use in this sector is highly inefficient. Traditional flood irrigation methods lead to significant water wastage through evaporation and runoff. The lack of modern irrigation technologies coupled with poor water management practices exacerbates the problem.
Pakistan’s water infrastructure is outdated and poorly maintained, resulting in significant water losses. According to the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), the country loses about 30% of its water during conveyance due to leaks and seepage in canals and pipelines.
Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage are major contributors to water pollution in Pakistan. The contamination of rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources with hazardous chemicals and pathogens poses serious risks to public health and the environment.
While Pakistan has several water-related policies and laws, there is no comprehensive national water policy that addresses the challenges of water conservation, management, and distribution in an integrated manner. The lack of coordination among federal and provincial authorities further complicates the implementation of effective water conservation measures.
Pakistan’s Water Conservation Plan
Recognizing the urgency of the water crisis, the government of Pakistan has initiated several measures to address the issue. The National Water Policy (2018) outlines the country’s strategy for managing water resources in the face of climate change, population growth, and urbanization. Key components of Pakistan’s water conservation plan include:
•    The government has prioritized the construction of new dams and reservoirs to increase water storage capacity. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Mohmand Dam are two major projects aimed at enhancing water availability for agriculture and hydropower generation.
•    The government is encouraging the adoption of modern irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems to reduce water wastage in agriculture. The introduction of high-efficiency irrigation systems is a key focus of the Prime Minister’s National Agriculture Emergency Programme.
•    To address the overextraction of groundwater, particularly in urban areas, the government is developing groundwater management plans that include regulation of tube wells, promotion of rainwater harvesting, and artificial recharge of aquifers.
•    The establishment of the Pakistan Council of Water Resources (PCWR) and the implementation of the National Water Framework Directive are steps towards improving water governance in the country. These initiatives aim to enhance coordination among federal, provincial, and local authorities in managing water resources effectively.
•    The government is also focusing on raising public awareness about the importance of water conservation. Educational campaigns, community-based water management programs, and the promotion of water-saving practices at the household level are key elements of this strategy.
A Woman’s Guide to Water Conservation Domestically
Women play a critical role in managing water resources at the household level. By adopting simple water-saving practices, women can contribute significantly to water conservation efforts. Here are some practical tips for conserving water at home:
•    Fix Leaks: Leaky faucets and pipes can waste thousands of gallons of water each year. Regularly check for leaks in your home and repair them promptly.
•    Use Water-Efficient Appliances: Invest in water-efficient appliances such as low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and front-loading washing machines. These appliances use less water without compromising performance.
•   Practice Smart Watering: Water your garden in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. Use a watering can instead of a hose, and consider planting drought-resistant plants that require less water.
•   Reuse Water: Collect and reuse water whenever possible. For example, use water from rinsing fruits and vegetables to water plants, or collect rainwater for gardening purposes.
•    Shorten Showers: Reducing the time you spend in the shower can save a significant amount of water. 
Run full loads: When using your dishwasher or washing machine, run full loads to maximize water efficiency. This practice not only conserves water but also saves energy.
•    Educate Your Family: Teach your family members about the importance of water conservation and encourage them to adopt water-saving habits.
Water conservation is not just an environmental imperative; it is a moral obligation that we owe to future generations. As climate change exacerbates water scarcity and stresses water resources worldwide, the need for effective water management becomes more urgent. Globally, countries are implementing innovative solutions to conserve water, while Pakistan must overcome significant challenges to secure its water future.
Every drop counts, and by adopting water-efficient practices at the household level, individuals, especially women, can make a substantial contribution to water conservation efforts. To give is to receive—by giving our best to conserve water today, we ensure that future generations will receive the essential resource they need to thrive.


 

Syeda Alizeh Ahmed

A passionate writer of Express Tribune, she celebrates the beauty of language and storytelling. Email:[email protected]

Advertisements