The groundwaters are depleting at an alarming rate and to suffice the ever-growing population, we must come up with measures that will prevent the exhaustion of these resources and pave ways for sustainable methods or usage of water. It is a very challenging task and we are cornered enough to take up these issues and work upon them for basic survival.
It is already hard upon environmentalists who are brainstorming about finding a solution to the depleting health of the Earth. It is a major issue that has now become a topic of concern as man can live without food for weeks, but can’t without water for more than days. Water is a vital part of our survival and we should start thinking about its health and growth as we benefit from them as well as the Earth to maintain its equilibrium.
Some methods have been predicted after performing researches and discussions, and concluded to these forms of measures that will benefit us in preventing the exhaustion of drinkable groundwater. The following are the measures that should be taken under consideration:
a) Grow native plants: Topographies that have less water-consumptive crops for native plants should harvest those and not outgrow the limits by artificially growing water-intensive plants to suffice the needs of the people. This should be taken into consideration by the government and accordingly, exports must come in to benefit the whims and choices of the people. Native plants require fewer fertilisers and pesticides and grow irrespective of any form of human help.
b) Reduce the use of chemicals: Reduction in the use of chemicals in the soil will ensure the health of the soil as well as the purity of water as these chemicals sink in and get infused with the water and dilute with them, causing a polluted and harmful mixture that remains no safer to be used for drinking purposes. The use of these water can also give rise to water-borne diseases and might cause an epidemic.
c) Manage Waste: Proper disposal of potentially toxic substances including unused chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceutical wastes, paints, motor oils and other substances. Many communities hold household hazardous waste collection or sites.
d) Wash Smarter: Limit the use of water while washing dishes, clothes or bathing. Try to close the tap after using the water, don’t keep it running. We tend to use a lot of water while showering, so try to use a bucket while showering so that the water consumption gets limited. Also, make sure to run full loads in your dish and clothes washer.
e) Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: Use water smartly and avoid wastage and by that, we will be able to reduce the excessive consumption of water. We can reuse as much as we can and we recycle the water by using technologies to refine the diluted form of water and cleaning up the toxins to make it of use to people once again.
f) Natural alternative: Use all-natural/non-toxic household cleaners whenever possible. Materials such as lemon juice, baking soda and vinegar can be used as cleaning products. These are inexpensive and environmentally-friendly in nature, with no side effects.
About the author: Soumi Lahiri is a law student who thrives to make this world a better place not only for humans, but also for all the coexisting organisms on earth.