Drained away
In the 20th century, World Bank vice-president Ismail Serageldin wisely warned "many of the wars of this century were about oil, but the wars of the next century will be about water." With impeding global warming threats this might actually be the dire...
In the 20th century, World Bank vice-president Ismail Serageldin wisely warned "many of the wars of this century were about oil, but the wars of the next century will be about water." With impeding global warming threats this might actually be the dire reality in the near future, and dry water spells may soon be a permanent blotch of our national heritage. Though media coverage has ensured that we are vividly aware of the situation, most of us conveniently ignore possible drought implications, except for the odd grumble during an occasional water cut. However, drastic action needs to be taken to prevent future water shortage crises in our country. The issue was expounded on World Water Day (WWD) on Thursday, where this year's theme was appropriately Coping with Water Scarcity.
Earth is dubbed 'the blue planet' since 70 per cent of its surface is covered by water. However, only about three per cent is actually fresh water and two per cent of this is found in ice caps and glaciers. Regrettably, as radical climate change looms on the horizon, the demand for untainted hydro sources is exceeding the availability in specific countries. Currently, more than one billion fellow human beings only have access to harmful water supplies. The World Health Organisation maintains that in 2002, 2.6 billion people were deprived of basic sanitation. Furthermore, about 1.8 million yearly deaths are a result of water-borne diseases such as cholera.
Our nation utilises millions of cubic metres of water yearly. According to the National Statistics Office, in 2005 water production exceeded 31 million cubic metres. Our main household water supply is derived from the reverse osmosis desalinisation plants which consume considerable electricity. Due to the high price of fossil fuel, this has resulted in soaring surcharges on our water and electricity bills. However, the worse is yet to come in view of predicted lower rainfall levels guaranteed to shrink our groundwater sources.
Anyone assaulted by disturbing visions of our country as an arid oasis should know that an attempt is being made to tackle the situation in the form of schemes such as the water sewage treatment plant at Ta' Barkat (treated water may be used for agricultural purposes among other factors). Another project is the EU-funded Twinning Light Project launched by the Malta Resources Authority that focuses on groundwater resources. However, a major change of social attitude is essential to judiciously utilise and conserve our water supply.
In 2005, 69 per cent of the total water produced was utilised by households. Large amounts of this priceless source is squandered yearly. The culprits are mostly unreported leakages. In fact, in 2005 leakages accounted for about 6.7 million cubic metres of wasted water. Yet, bridled usage of household water can actually halt abuse. In view of this, some advice issued by the Water Services Corporation to the public is:
• Avoid too many flushes and mend leaking toilet cisterns immediately.
• Keep showers short. If your life depends on a long soak, it is better to opt for a relaxing bath. Not only will this relieve pent up tension, but apparently less water is used.
• Operate dishwashers only when they are literally bursting with grimy crockery.
• Run the washing machine only for large loads, and use the energy saving option when possible. If you intend to purchase a new model, invest in a front loader as this will use less water than top loaders. It also pays to look out for ratings that indicate good waste efficiency. In fact a government subsidy of Lm50 is given to those who opt for a class 'A' efficiency rating.
• Replace worn-out tap washers, and repair dripping pipes.
• Refrain from leaving the tap on while performing tasks such as washing teeth. Anyone who insists on indulging in this custom should know that they could actually be wasting about 11,000 litres of water a year.
• When cold water is flushed from a hot water pipe, trap the excess water in a container. This may be utilised for other tasks such as watering the plants.
• Reduce high water pressure from showers and taps to decrease the flow rate.
Apart from the above, those lucky enough to possess a well (once an essential part of every abode, now an extinct feature of modern buildings) may collect rainwater and use it as the primarily household supply.
Last January, the American publication International Living voted Malta as the country with the best climate in the world. However, if we persist in squandering our water sources (ignoring possible storm water exploitation among other factors) future generations could possibly refer to our nation as one of the most dehydrated islands on planet earth. There is no doubt that water availability influences economical, social and ecological issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need to generate a rational and efficient water supply system. The stakeholders are not only government infrastructures, but also industrial divisions, commercial sectors, and every individual that utilises nature's most precious resource - water.
Earth is dubbed 'the blue planet' since 70 per cent of its surface is covered by water. However, only about three per cent is actually fresh water and two per cent of this is found in ice caps and glaciers. Regrettably, as radical climate change looms on the horizon, the demand for untainted hydro sources is exceeding the availability in specific countries. Currently, more than one billion fellow human beings only have access to harmful water supplies. The World Health Organisation maintains that in 2002, 2.6 billion people were deprived of basic sanitation. Furthermore, about 1.8 million yearly deaths are a result of water-borne diseases such as cholera.
Our nation utilises millions of cubic metres of water yearly. According to the National Statistics Office, in 2005 water production exceeded 31 million cubic metres. Our main household water supply is derived from the reverse osmosis desalinisation plants which consume considerable electricity. Due to the high price of fossil fuel, this has resulted in soaring surcharges on our water and electricity bills. However, the worse is yet to come in view of predicted lower rainfall levels guaranteed to shrink our groundwater sources.
Anyone assaulted by disturbing visions of our country as an arid oasis should know that an attempt is being made to tackle the situation in the form of schemes such as the water sewage treatment plant at Ta' Barkat (treated water may be used for agricultural purposes among other factors). Another project is the EU-funded Twinning Light Project launched by the Malta Resources Authority that focuses on groundwater resources. However, a major change of social attitude is essential to judiciously utilise and conserve our water supply.
In 2005, 69 per cent of the total water produced was utilised by households. Large amounts of this priceless source is squandered yearly. The culprits are mostly unreported leakages. In fact, in 2005 leakages accounted for about 6.7 million cubic metres of wasted water. Yet, bridled usage of household water can actually halt abuse. In view of this, some advice issued by the Water Services Corporation to the public is:
• Avoid too many flushes and mend leaking toilet cisterns immediately.
• Keep showers short. If your life depends on a long soak, it is better to opt for a relaxing bath. Not only will this relieve pent up tension, but apparently less water is used.
• Operate dishwashers only when they are literally bursting with grimy crockery.
• Run the washing machine only for large loads, and use the energy saving option when possible. If you intend to purchase a new model, invest in a front loader as this will use less water than top loaders. It also pays to look out for ratings that indicate good waste efficiency. In fact a government subsidy of Lm50 is given to those who opt for a class 'A' efficiency rating.
• Replace worn-out tap washers, and repair dripping pipes.
• Refrain from leaving the tap on while performing tasks such as washing teeth. Anyone who insists on indulging in this custom should know that they could actually be wasting about 11,000 litres of water a year.
• When cold water is flushed from a hot water pipe, trap the excess water in a container. This may be utilised for other tasks such as watering the plants.
• Reduce high water pressure from showers and taps to decrease the flow rate.
Apart from the above, those lucky enough to possess a well (once an essential part of every abode, now an extinct feature of modern buildings) may collect rainwater and use it as the primarily household supply.
Last January, the American publication International Living voted Malta as the country with the best climate in the world. However, if we persist in squandering our water sources (ignoring possible storm water exploitation among other factors) future generations could possibly refer to our nation as one of the most dehydrated islands on planet earth. There is no doubt that water availability influences economical, social and ecological issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need to generate a rational and efficient water supply system. The stakeholders are not only government infrastructures, but also industrial divisions, commercial sectors, and every individual that utilises nature's most precious resource - water.