ACTIVITY-4

WATER CONSERVATION
INTRODUCTON
Water conservation refers to the strategic use, management, and preservation of freshwater
resources to ensure their availability for present and future generations. It involves adopting
practices that minimize water wastage, promote sustainable use, and protect water
ecosystems. This practice is not only a necessity but a moral responsibility in the face of
increasing water scarcity caused by climate change, population growth, and urbanization.

In our modern world, water conservation has evolved into a multifaceted approach. It
combines traditional wisdom with innovative technology, including efficient irrigation
systems, advanced water treatment processes, and awareness programs to educate
communities. Rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and reforestation are just a few
examples of sustainable practices that ensure the responsible use of this vital resource.

The activity of water conservation is an essential measure to combat the alarming rate of
groundwater depletion and pollution. By addressing inefficiencies in water usage, we can
mitigate water crises, reduce energy consumption linked to water processing, and safeguard
biodiversity that thrives in freshwater habitats.

The scope of water conservation extends beyond individual actions to encompass collective
efforts in rural and urban settings. In rural areas, it helps support agriculture and maintain
ecological balance, while in cities, it reduces the stress on municipal water supplies and
infrastructure. From rainwater harvesting systems in homes to large-scale water recycling
plants, water conservation initiatives have a transformative impact on society and the
environment.

Water conservation is not merely a reactive measure; it’s a proactive strategy to adapt to the
challenges posed by changing climatic conditions and increasing water demands. By
fostering a culture of water stewardship, communities can build resilience against droughts,
ensure sustainable agriculture, and improve the overall quality of life.

FIG 4.1 Water scarcity around the world

Sustainable Water Management
1. Rainwater Harvesting:

Villages often employ simple rainwater harvesting methods, collecting rainwater in tanks or
open wells for irrigation and household use. On campus, rooftop harvesting systems can be
installed to gather and store rainwater for non-potable purposes such as gardening or toilet
flushing.

2. Reusing Greywater:

Greywater from sinks, baths, and washing machines can be recycled in villages for irrigation
purposes. A greywater treatment system on campus can allow for the reuse of wastewater,
reducing the demand for freshwater.

FIG 4.2 Grey water recycling

3. Drip Irrigation Systems:

Drip irrigation is a water-efficient method used in villages for agriculture. On campus, these
systems can be utilized for maintaining gardens and lawns, minimizing water wastage.

4. Low-Water Landscaping:

In villages, drought-resistant crops are commonly planted to adapt to limited water

availability. Similarly, the campus can adopt landscaping with native plants that require less
water.

5. Educational Programs:

Villages rely on community awareness campaigns to promote water conservation. On

campus, workshops and awareness drives can educate students and staff about adopting
sustainable practices in daily life.
RAIN WATER HARVESTING
Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for future use instead of
allowing it to run off and go to waste. This process is straightforward yet highly effective.

Process of Rain Harvesting:

Rooftop Collection: Rainwater is collected from building rooftops, which serve as catchment
areas.

Conveyance System: The water flows through a system of gutters and pipes into storage
units or recharge pits.

Filtration: The collected water is filtered to remove debris, leaves, and other impurities.

Storage Tanks or Recharge Systems: The filtered water is either stored in tanks for
immediate use or directed to recharge pits to replenish groundwater aquifers.

FIG 4.3Rain water harvesting

Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting

The benefits of rainwater harvesting observed during the visit and through broader research
include:

Reduces Water Bills: By using harvested rainwater for non-potable purposes such as
irrigation, washing, and flushing, households and institutions can significantly reduce their
dependence on municipal water supplies.

Replenishes Groundwater: Recharge pits help restore groundwater levels, which is critical
in areas suffering from overextraction and depletion of aquifers.
Prevents Flooding: By capturing rainwater runoff, rainwater harvesting minimizes
waterlogging and reduces the strain on urban drainage systems during heavy rains.

Promotes Water Sustainability: It decreases dependency on unreliable water sources and

ensures a steady supply of water during droughts.

Improves Water Quality: Rainwater is naturally soft and free from contaminants, making it
suitable for various uses after minimal filtration.

RAIN WATER HARVESTING IN GKVK:

Fig 4.4 Visit to Krishi mela

The visit to Vignana Kendra was an enlightening experience that highlighted the importance
of sustainable water management, particularly through rainwater harvesting. The facility
serves as a knowledge hub for water conservation techniques and demonstrated how
rainwater harvesting can be integrated into daily life.

FIG 4.5 Krishi Honda

We observed their implementation of Krishi Honda, a sustainable water conservation method
designed to address water scarcity challenges in agricultural practices.

At GKVK, Krishi Honda refers to farm ponds created specifically to collect and store
rainwater for agricultural use. These structures are part of their broader initiative to promote
water conservation and sustainable farming techniques among local farmers and agricultural
students.

Design and Construction: The Krishi Honda at GKVK is strategically located in low-lying
areas to ensure maximum water collection during rainfall. The ponds are scientifically
designed with proper slopes and embankments to prevent soil erosion and facilitate efficient
water storage.

Rainwater Harvesting Integration: The farm ponds are integrated with rainwater harvesting
systems that direct runoff from nearby fields and rooftops into the ponds, maximizing water
capture.

Demonstrations for Farmers: GKVK uses their Krishi Honda as a live demonstration for
visiting farmers, showcasing its effectiveness in maintaining year-round water availability.

 Key Benefits Observed:

Water Security for Crops: Stored water from the Krishi Honda is used during dry spells to
irrigate experimental plots and crops, ensuring consistent agricultural productivity.

Groundwater Recharge: Excess water in the ponds slowly percolates into the soil,
contributing to groundwater recharge in the surrounding areas.

Prevention of Water Runoff: By capturing rainwater that would otherwise flow away, the
ponds reduce water wastage and minimize soil erosion.

Cost-Effective Solution: The relatively low cost of constructing and maintaining these ponds
makes them accessible and practical for small-scale farmers.

Education and Awareness: GKVK actively educates farmers about the importance of Krishi
Honda and trains them on replicating the model in their fields.

Inspired by the GKVK model, campuses can adopt Krishi Honda-style rainwater harvesting
systems to create eco-friendly water conservation solutions. These ponds can be utilized for
gardening, landscaping, and even as a learning model for students studying environmental
sciences.
WATER CONSERVATION: VILLAGES VS. CITIES
In rural areas, water conservation efforts primarily focus on agriculture, as it is a water-
intensive sector. Techniques like crop rotation, drip irrigation, and traditional water tanks
(e.g., Krishi Hondas) are popular.

FIG 4.6 Adaption of Krishi Honda in Villages

In cities, advanced technologies like wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting systems, and
low-flow water fixtures are implemented to manage water consumption. Urban areas also
emphasize spreading awareness about water-saving habits among the population.

FIG 4.7 BWSSB water treatment plan

The BWSSB water treatment plant ensures safe drinking water for Bengaluru by treating raw
water from the Cauvery River through processes like coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
It helps reduce waterborne diseases and replenish groundwater. The plant also focuses on
sustainability and efficient water management.

While rural practices often rely on community efforts and traditional methods, urban areas
benefit from technological advancements and structured policies. Both approaches are vital in
addressing water scarcity effectively.
METHODS OF WATER CONSERVATION IN INDIA AND AROUND
THE WORLD
In India:

Jal Shakti Abhiyan: A government-led campaign to promote water conservation.

Traditional Tanks: Structures like baolis (stepwells) and kunds (water tanks) used for
centuries.

Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation: Widely adopted in agriculture to optimize water usage.

Around the World:

Australia: Uses large-scale desalination plants and encourages household rainwater

collection.

Israel: Pioneered the use of advanced drip irrigation and wastewater recycling for
agriculture.

Singapore: Implements the "Four National Taps" strategy to ensure water sustainability.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WATER

CONSERVATION
Advantages:

 Reduces dependency on groundwater.

 Ensures availability of water for future generations.
 Protects ecosystems and biodiversity.
 Lowers water bills and energy costs.

Disadvantages:

 Initial investment in water-saving technologies can be high.

 Requires regular maintenance of systems like rainwater harvesting tanks.
 Behavior changes among users may take time.

ROLE OF INDIVIDUALS IN WATER CONSERVATION

Every individual can contribute significantly to water conservation through simple steps:

Turning off taps when not in use.

Fixing leaks promptly.

Installing water-efficient appliances.

Reusing water for household tasks like cleaning or irrigation. Educating others about the
importance of saving water.
CONCLUSION
Water is a precious resource, and conserving it is essential for a sustainable future. From
implementing rainwater harvesting systems in urban settings to using traditional techniques
in rural areas, every effort counts. Awareness, combined with individual and collective
action, can ensure water security for generations to come.

FIG 4.8 Save water