“There is a water crisis today. But the crisis is not about having too little water to satisfy our needs. It is a crisis of managing water so badly that billions of people — and the environment — suffer badly.” — World Water Vision Report
In India, there is a huge gap between available water resources and water usage leading to an increasing water stress. There is a mismatch in our consumption pattern to availability, but the problem remains surprisingly invisible to the urban eye. We are yet to fathom the intensity of the problem and begin repairing the water system.
SOURCE : WaterGAP 2.0 — December 1999, WORLD WATER COUNCIL
How does the architect really step in, you may ask. This is an environmental issue, right? There is a lot that can be initiated and changed from the building architect. From building awareness among clients, choosing efficient plumbing and sanitary fixtures to managing the water system of the complete built structure, the opportunities to conserve water are numerous. One can aim to achieve minimal or zero external dependancy for water resources and also minimise the water outflow or waste water disposal, thereby creating a self sufficient model.
Choosing efficient plumbing and sanitary fixtures is one of the easiest ways to reduce water usage. A low flow fixture reduces the flow rate of water per unit time compared to a standard fixture. One can check for the required pressure with lower flow rate while choosing faucets. In existing faucets, one may opt for an aerator, which is an additional fixture that can be attached to the faucet to reduce the flow rate. A low flow toilet uses lesser litres of water per flush in comparison to the conventional ones.
The first step to managing water is to measure its consumption and then plan a holistic system accordingly. Water chart may be prepared to analyse the best options for creating a water system that may include rainwater collection, waste water recycling as alternative sources of managing the water demand.
At a collective level, we need to go back to the age old system of collecting rainwater in lakes. A simple and effective system of storing water locally for the community. Beyond all else, there is an urgent need to revive the attitude to conserve and appreciate the natural resource.
