Water

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Water is a big bone of contention. The World Health Organisation recommends that every person on this planet should have access to at least 100 litres of clean water per day, for all purposes. Probably more than half do not have this, or even anything approaching it. In the late 90s, where I live, we had four years of drought and, despite all the efforts, there was one period when we were receiving only about 80 litres/head/day. Believe me, this was a real hardship when you had to think twice before flushing the toilet or even taking another quick shower when the temperature was up to 45°C, let alone washing clothes and dishes. Other than the glass, my car wasn't washed for two years!

It has been said that more wars will be fought in the 21^st century over water than oil. This is quite possible, with water tables being pumped dry. In coastal regions, salt water can infiltrate them, rendering them useless.

Yet we are often enormously prodigal with water, often with consumptions exceeding 500 litres/head/day. Even in places where it is plentiful, it has to be pumped, often consuming considerable fossil-fuel energy.

Then, when we have used the water, is it re-used? Yes, waste water can be recycled. In my opinion, all new houses should have a mandatory grey water system; this alone can halve water consumption in a typical western-style household. The outlet from water treatment plants should, if the quality is good enough, be fed back into the public water supply. If not, it should be used for agricultural/horticultural purposes, to avoid drinking water being wastefully used for this. It is a criminal waste for treated waste water to be allowed to be sent into a watercourse or the sea, when it is of such good quality.

The sustainable use of water requires a two-pronged approach: minimising the consumption and maximising the recycling. This can be done without compromising the highest living standards, as well as being economically and environmentally beneficial.

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