Strategies for Increasing Water Availability and Conservation

Increase the Availability of Water This was the strategy used to solve the mismatch between supply and demand for water. The ways of achieving this are: ? Reservoirs: The construction of dams is used to regulate the waters of rivers and for flood control. They are also useful for water and electric power generation. However, not all reservoirs are advantageous since they interrupt the natural course of rivers. ? Trasvases: Both water availability and consumption are unequal in Spain. The transfers are intended to export water from surplus basins to those with deficits. This channel is constructed from one basin to another.? Desalination of Seawater: This process allows for the extraction of salt from seawater, transforming it into clean water for domestic consumption and irrigation. Two objections limit its use: improving management and reducing consumption.
The traditional strategy to match supply and demand has aimed to increase the available water. Sustainable water consumption requires better management of this vital resource, as it is limited. To this end, the European Union recommends that the governments of member countries: ? Encourage Saving: All sustainable consumption should be based on saving water. First, inform the public of the problem of water scarcity, and secondly, adjust prices to reflect the costs of water extraction, dams, treatment, distribution, and purification of wastewater. ? Improve Efficiency: A more rational use of water leads to savings. It is necessary to improve water distribution networks to avoid losses. A more efficient use of water in agriculture can be achieved by modernizing drip irrigation. ? Promote Reuse: Treated wastewater can be reused for services other than potable water, such as irrigation of gardens and street cleaning. Similarly, water used by industries for cooling should be reused by the industries themselves. What can you do?? When you brush your teeth, do not leave the tap running. Fill the sink moderately to wash your face, hands, or shave. Save 12 L. ? Take a shower instead of a bath and close the tap while you lather. You'll save 150 L each time. ? Do not use the toilet as a trash can; use a trash can instead. Save 6 to 12 L. ? Repair dripping faucets. You'll save 170 L of water per month. Install water-saving devices on taps and showers to reduce consumption by 50%. ? Avoid wasting water that you leave running while waiting for hot water; collect it in buckets and reuse it. ? Water your plants and garden at dusk or dawn. ? Install a dual tank switch to halve water consumption. ? Purchase and use energy-efficient appliances with full loads to save 40% more water per wash.