Water is vital for our lives. Doctors recommend 8 glasses of water to be consumed every day. You might have either been reminding your kids or would have seen someone reminding them to get them in this habit. Drinking is one part of why water is important. There are so many other aspects of life that need water from cleaning to cooking to many more. Our meals are dependent on them. Hygiene is dependent on water. 

So no doubt water is precious for our planet. But where’s the problem?

Simply there's not enough of it to go around. And with more and more people on Earth, being smart about how we use water has become incredibly important.

Really? What kind and level of water problem are we talking about?

• Shortage: Four billion people — almost two-thirds of the world’s population — experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year.
• Pollution: The impurities and toxins from industries, residences, and farming get into rivers, lakes, and the water below the ground.
  
• Climate Change: Climate change is going to further complicate the issues due to melting glaciers, reduced snowmelt, and uncertain rainfall patterns. Rising seawater levels will also further restrict available freshwater sources due to the salination of reservoirs and lakes.

   

Okay, but is the situation in India the same?

• India has 18% of the world's population, but only 4% of its water resources, making it among the most water-stressed in the world.
• India is the largest global user of groundwater, with over 60% of districts experiencing groundwater over-exploitation, particularly in agriculturally intensive states like Punjab and Haryana and in congested urban areas like Bangalore. We are literally at the tipping point of a groundwater crisis.

So why do we need to teach children to be Water Monitors?

We need to start acting now in big ways and small ways to ensure that our children do not grow up in a world that is severely water-stressed.

While the large initiatives like recycling, desalination and chemical treatment of water cannot be addressed there are many small initiatives that you can start today at home. Encourage your family to adopt these habits and incentivize the young water monitors to ensure everyone follows the new habits.

The Water Monitor Checklist?

Identify Leaky Faucets: Check and fix leaking taps, pipes, and appliances. A dripping tap can waste hundreds of liters of water each year.

Washer Loads: Waiting for a full load is more efficient. Minimize water waste by using full loads in washing machines.

Reusing wastewater: Re-use the wastewater when possible to flush e.g. if you have soaked clothes in detergent, then once it's done don’t just throw the water, use it to flush the commode.

A bucket bath: Uses much less water than a shower. Even if you prefer to shower, remembering to turn off the water when lathering can make a big difference.

Do not: leave water running when shaving or washing dishes. Fill a container or a mug and use the water in it.

Are there any additional safeguards these Monitors can put to save this resource?

Here are some steps you can take at home to make a bigger difference:

1. Water-Saving Faucet Aerators: Imagine water-saving aerators as water wizards for your sinks and faucets. These clever devices work their magic by reducing the water flow from your taps. You would be surprised to know that they can reduce water usage by up to 80%. So are you ready to convert existing taps into water-saving taps?
2. Dual Flush toilets: You've got two choices when it comes to flushing: the partial flush or the full flush. It's like having two buttons to customize your flush, and it's not just efficient – it saves up to 75% of the water you'd use for a regular flush!
3. Rain Water Harvesting: Whether you live in an independent house or a society, please consider rainwater harvesting. It is a simple and effective way to reduce water usage from groundwater and other sources. If you are in a society, bring this up in the next meeting since everyone benefits by paying less municipal water charges and taking a good step for the environment.

Both the above can lead to savings of more than 100 liters per day ( Source: Low Carbon LIFEstyles, MOEFC and MOHUA report).

Pro-Tip: If you don't have a water-saving faucet aerator yet, you can have one installed anytime. But if you don't have a dual flush toilet, there's no need to replace it because handling the waste of toilet replaced can be just as tricky. But if you ever come across a bathroom with dual flush options, you'll know how to use them correctly for a positive impact.

Creating fun challenges for Water Monitors.

Make the role of Water Monitors and Water Saviors fun by:

• Tap Control: Teach them to be tap wizards – turning off the tap while brushing their teeth or soaping up their hands.
  Quick Showers: Challenge them to have speedy showers to save water.
• Water Recycling: Show them the magic of reusing water. For instance, the water used to wash fruits and veggies can become plant water.
• Water-saving adventure tip: Skip the packaged water! Did you know that more than half of it goes to waste? Instead, grab your trusty, eco-friendly water bottle. Plus, when your name's on it, there's no chance of it going on a mysterious water bottle quest!

So, we've covered the shortage of water, but what about the pollution? Can you make a difference there too?

Absolutely! You can decrease what gets into the ground and water bodies from your home. When you use bio enzymes instead of chemical cleaners in your home then the chemicals laden water which may contain some toxic elements gets reduced. And the best part is that you can make Bio Enzyme In Just 2 Min/Day. 

So, what’s the bottom line? 

A few small one-time changes and a few daily habits like turning things off can work wonders for our precious, scarce water. And to keep it clean, let's aim to put less and less stuff in it. Remember, every drop saved and kept clean is like a superhero move to ensure a water-friendly future!