NSS REPORT 2024-25

CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION TO WATER CONSERVATION

Water conservation aims to sustainably manage the natural resource of fresh water, protect the
hydrosphere, and meet current and future human demand.

Water conservation makes it possible to avoid water scarcity. It covers all the policies, strategies and
activities to reach these aims.

Population, household size and growth and affluence all affect how much water is used. Better water
conservation and management has economic benefits and helps protect the environment.

The more water you use, the more you pay for water and sewer service on a municipal water and
sewer system.

Excessive water use can overload both individual septic systems and municipal sewer systems,
thereby resulting in untreated sewage contamination of fresh water supplies.

Water conservation can extend the useful life of both community and individual household sewer
systems.

Excessive withdrawals of ground water can lead to salt water intrusion, a subtle environmental impact
with long-lasting effects.

These areas are usually associated with large population centers or agriculture, where water use is
high. Agriculture is our most essential industry, but it is also our largest consumer of fresh water.

Water conservation and management will become bigger issues for agriculture and metropolitan areas
as they compete for limited fresh water resources in the future.

Water Conservation & Management (WCM) is a collaborated publishing project under VOLKSON
PRESS and Zibeline International.

Although the earth is rich in water, only one percent is liquid fresh water, the form we require for our
highest priority needs.

The demands on this liquid fresh water are growing, and many scientists feel that a future shortage
of fresh water will be eminent.

Water conservation and management emphasizes water quality protection, a growing area of
employment and environmental concern.

Water conservation and management encompasses the policies, strategies and activities made

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CHAPTER 2:
OVERVIEW
2.1 Aims
The Aims of water conservation efforts include:

• With less than 1% of the worlds water being freshwater, one aim is ensuring the availability of water
for future generations where the withdrawal of freshwater from an ecosystem does not exceed its
natural replacement rate.

• Energy conservation as water pumping, delivery, and wastewater treatment facilities consume a
significant amount of energy. In some regions of the world, over 15% of the total electricity
consumption is devoted to water management.

• Habitat conservation where minimizing human water usage helps to preserve freshwater habitats for
local wildlife and migrating waterfowl, but also water quality.

1.1 Water Conservation Tank Chikkamagaluru

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CHAPTER 3:
METHODS OF CONSERVING WATER
• Every drop of water counts, so make sure you are not wasting clean drinking water and you are not
leaving any running tap

• Remember to use only the amount you actually need and not wasting the water unnecessarily.
It has been found beneficial to form a group of water-conscious people at school, college or society
level and encourage your friends and neighbours to be part of this group.

Promote water conservation in community newsletters and on bulletin boards. Encourage your
friends, neighbours and co-workers to also contribute.

• Plant more and more trees to increase transpiration.

• Encourage rainwater harvesting at the community level as well as municipal level.

• Make sure that your home is leak-free and there are no leaking taps or tanks storing water. Many
homes have leaking pipes that go unnoticed.

• Call a plumber as soon as you notice any leakage.

• Do not leave the tap running while you are brushing your teeth or soaping your face.

• When washing the car, use water from a bucket and not a hosepipe which helps to reduce about 50%
of the water used for washing your car.
• While watering your lawns do not waste water and use only the amount that is required.

• Do not throw away water that has been used for washing vegetables and use it to water plants or to
clean the floors, etc.

“Without water life cannot sustain

Nor can virtue without rain”

- Thiruvalluvar

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CHAPTER 4 :
TYPES AND TECHNIQUES

• Irrigation Scheduling Irrigation system managers use irrigation schedules to determine the
appropriate frequency and duration of watering.

• Water management takes into account the method of irrigation, as well as the amount, timing, and
frequency of water application.

• Farmers regularly monitor weather forecasts, soil moisture, and plant conditions to adjust their
irrigation schedules accordingly and prevent both under-watering and over-watering of their crops.

• This proactive approach helps optimise water use, ensuring that crops receive the right amount of
water at the right time for optimal growth while avoiding water waste and potential negative impacts
on plant health and productivity.

• Rainwater Harvesting Rainwater harvesting is augmenting natural rainwater filtration into

underground formations with artificial methods.

• Percolation naturally recharges groundwater resources. However, due to indiscriminate development

and rapid urbanization, the exposed surface for soil has decreased, resulting in a decrease in rainwater.

• Grey Water recycling ‘Greywater’ also known as Greywater or Sullage refers to all wastewater
generated in buildings from streams without fecal contamination – i.e., all streams except for the
wastewater from toilets.

• Greywater recycling, then, refers to the treatment of wastewater from appliances such as showers,
baths and sinks, to be re-used and fed back into a property for non-potable purposes such as flushing
toilets and irrigation.

• Drip irrigation Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of plants using a system of tubes and
emitters.

• This method minimizes water wastage by providing a controlled and targeted supply, reducing
evaporation and runoff.

• It is particularly effective in areas with limited water resources.

• Cover Cropping Planting cover crops during fallow periods helps improve soil structure and water
retention.

• These cover crops protect the soil from erosion, enhance organic matter content, and reduce
evaporation. Improved soil health contributes to better water infiltration and retention, benefiting
overall water conservation efforts.

• Dry Farming Dry farming is a method of growing crops without relying on regular irrigation or
abundant rainfall.

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• Instead, farmers use techniques that make the most of the limited water available in arid or semi-arid
regions.
• This involves selecting drought-resistant crops, using soil conservation practices, and relying on
natural rainfall to sustain the crops.
• Aeroponics and Hydroponics Aeroponics and hydroponics are soilless cultivation techniques that use
nutrient-rich water solutions to grow plants.

• These methods can significantly reduce water consumption compared to traditional soil-based
farming.

• They provide precise control over water delivery, ensuring that plants receive the exact amount
needed for optimal growth.

• Organic Farming Organic farming is a way of growing crops and raising animals without using
synthetic chemicals like pesticides or fertilizers.
• Instead, it relies on natural processes and resources to maintain soil fertility, control pests, and
promote healthy growth.
• Organic farmers use methods such as crop rotation, composting, and the use of organic materials to
enhance soil quality.
• Water is a precious gift of nature to mankind and to various living species such as animals and human
being living on earth.

Fig 1.3: Water storage tank

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CHAPTER 5:
CHALLENGES TO WATER CONSERVATION IN FARMING
Water conservation during farming is an essential ecological practice that needs to be efficiently
managed. Water conservation faces several challenges.

These challenges include the relationship between water resources and grain-production arrangement,
agricultural water use efficiency, and farmland water conservancy investment. However, there are
certain challenges that a farmer might face while conserving water while farming.

• Climate change
Climate change can be understood as unpredictable weather patterns caused by global warming.

This in turn also impacts rainfall, which severely impacts the amount of water required for agriculture.
Farmers may witness droughts in cases of less rainfall, and excessive rainfall may also hamper overall
agricultural growth.

To maintain productivity, farmers need to adjust to these shifting conditions.

• Depleting ground water

Groundwater is depleting in many regions due to excessive extraction for irrigation. This inefficient
use of groundwater impacts the fertility of soil as well. To solve this problem, sustainable groundwater
management techniques are crucial.

• Water pollution

During farming processes, excessive use of fertilizer and pesticides flows through the water bodies
near the farm, contaminating the water supply with dangerous chemicals.

This is known as water pollution. This also impacts the quality of groundwater and surface water. The
harmful effects of water pollution caused by pesticides and fertilizers can be reduced by using
appropriate water conservation methods.

• High Water Demand

Agriculture is one of the largest consumers of freshwater globally, often accounting for a significant
portion of total water use in many regions.

• Traditional Irrigation Practices

Many farmers still use inefficient irrigation methods such as flood irrigation, which can lead to
substantial water wastage.

Water a natural resource is becoming one of the most scare resources in most part of the world

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• Lack of Infrastructure

In some regions, there may be insufficient infrastructure for water storage, distribution, and efficient
irrigation systems, hindering water conservation efforts.

• Climate Variability

Increasingly erratic weather patterns due to climate change can lead to unpredictable rainfall,
droughts, or floods, affecting water availability and complicating water management.

Economic Constraints:
Adopting water-efficient technologies and practices often requires initial investments that some
farmers may find prohibitive, especially in developing regions.

Policy and Governance:

Inconsistent or inadequate water management policies and regulations can contribute to inefficient
water use and allocation in agriculture.

Education and Awareness: Lack of awareness among farmers about the importance of water
conservation and the benefits of adopting efficient practices can impede widespread adoption.

Water Quality Concerns:

Pollution from agricultural runoff, pesticides, and fertilizers can degrade water quality, making it
unsuitable for reuse or further agricultural use.

Agricultural Water Use:

Agriculture is a major consumer of water. Improving irrigation efficiency and promoting sustainable
farming practices are essential but challenging due to the scale and diversity of agricultural systems.

Water Infrastructure:
Aging and inadequate water infrastructure in many areas can lead to significant water losses through
leaks and inefficiencies.

Lack of Awareness and Education:

Many people are not aware of the importance of water conservation or lack the knowledge of practical
ways to conserve water in their daily lives.

Technological and Financial Barriers:

Implementing advanced water-saving technologies and infrastructure upgrades requires significant

investment and technological expertise, which may not be readily available in all regions.

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Behavioural Change:

Encouraging individuals and communities to adopt water saving practices often requires overcoming
ingrained habits and perceptions about water use.

Infrastructure:

Aging or inadequate water supply infrastructure can lead to leaks and inefficiencies, reducing the
effectiveness of conservation efforts.

Economic Incentives:

In some cases, the financial benefits of water conservation measures may not be immediately apparent
or compelling enough to motivate widespread adoption.

Policy and Regulation:

Inconsistent or insufficient regulations and enforcement can hinder efforts to manage water resources
sustainably and promote conservation.

There is no way to envision life without water. Natural resource availability is declining daily,
and they are not distributed fairly.

Therefore, this situation compels us to consider developing new water management techniques.

Considering how closely tied they are to the general population; stakeholders use a variety of
activities to raise awareness among the indigenous people.

They immediately improve the effectiveness, viability, and equity of various water conservation
measures in accordance with their requirements and needs.

Every Drop Counts Foundation (EPCF) focuses on locally applicable water conservation
strategies that anyone can use to develop a water conservation plan.

The EPCF explores rainwater collection and ground water recharge, which elevates the water
level through community engagement and awareness.

The paper explains the foundation's operations and examines how they affect society.

The activities are much more promising due to the natural filtration, the lowest cost, long life,
and zero maintenance.

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CHAPTER 6:

BENEFITS OF WATER CONSERVATION METHODS IN

FARMING:

Water conservation in farming plays a pivotal role in sustainable resource management, safeguarding
the longevity of water supplies for future generations. By adopting efficient water use strategies,
farmers can save money by cutting down on irrigation and energy costs. This not only benefits
individual farmers but also contributes to the overall economic sustainability of agricultural practices.
Moreover, the implementation of water conservation measures enhances the climate resilience of
agricultural systems.

• Environmental Protection

In addition to economic and climate-related advantages, water conservation contributes

significantly to environmental protection. Practices such as reducing water runoff and minimizing
soil erosion help safeguard water ecosystems from contamination, thereby preserving biodiversity
and overall ecosystem health. The positive environmental impact extends beyond the immediate
agricultural surroundings, fostering a more resilient and balanced natural environment.

• Improvement in Crop Yield

Effective water management also directly influences crop yields. Properly implemented water
conservation measures enhance crop productivity, ensuring consistent and high-quality yields. This
not only benefits farmers by securing their livelihoods but also plays a crucial role in global food
security. By optimizing water use, agriculture can meet the growing demand for food sustainably,
balancing the need for increased production with resource efficiency.

• Preservation of Freshwater Resources

Conserving water helps ensure there's enough freshwater available for current and future
generations. As population grows and demand increases, preserving existing water sources becomes
critical.

• Improved Water Quality

When water is used more efficiently, there is less runoff and soil erosion, which can help
improve water quality in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. Reduced usage also lowers the
amount of wastewater and pollutants entering the environment.

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CHAPTER 7:
IMPORTANCE OF WATER CONSERVATION METHODS IN
FARMING:

The Importance of Water Conservation Methods in Farming is provided below:

• Conserving water in farming practices ensures the sustainability of agriculture by preserving water
resources for future generations. It helps maintain a balance between the water needs of crops and the
availability of water in the environment.

• Water conservation promotes efficient use of resources.

• By optimizing irrigation methods and reducing water wastage, farmers can maximize the productivity
of their land and minimize the environmental impact associated with excessive water use.

• Efficient water management reduces the cost of water acquisition and irrigation for farmers.
By using water wisely, farmers can enhance their economic viability, increase crop yields, and reduce
expenses associated with excessive water consumption.

• Water conservation in farming helps preserve natural water ecosystems. Over extraction of water for
agriculture can lead to the depletion of rivers, lakes, and aquifers, negatively impacting aquatic
ecosystems and biodiversity.

Outcomes:

• Water conservation is a big thing and involves using water sources judiciously, but every little bit
helps, every drop that you save counts so don't think that what you do doesn't matter.

• A whole lot of people doing a little bit adds up to a big total. We must all make some little changes in
our lifestyles that will change the course of our water.

• It takes just a small amount of motivation and willingness to bring about a change which brings in
some great results and a huge amount of satisfaction.

• Water conservation needs to be a way of life, not just something we think about once in a while.

• If we all do our part in conserving water, we can make a huge difference.

Water a natural resource is becoming one of the most scare resources in most part of the world. It
comprises of every pattern of water such as groundwater, surface water, marine and costal water,
which always plays a huge role in the traditional and cultural aspects of every human’s life.

Water is considered unavoidable to sustain life in world.

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OBJECTIVES:

The objective of a successful water management strategy is to ensure the availability of sufficient
water of adequate quality to cover all water needs, including drinking, sanitation, agriculture, and
ancillary food production, energy generation, inland water transport, etc.

Water conservation aims to sustainably manage the natural resource of fresh water, protect the
hydrosphere, and meet current and future human demand. Water conservation makes it possible to
avoid water scarcity. It covers all the policies, strategies and activities to reach these aims. Population,
household size and growth and affluence all affect how much water is used.

Climate change and other factors have increased pressure on natural water resources. This is
especially the case in manufacturing and agricultural irrigation. Many countries have successfully
implemented policies to conserve water conservation. There are several key activities to conserve
water. One is beneficial reduction in water loss, use and waste of resources. Another is avoiding any
damage to water quality. A third is improving water management practices that reduce the use or
enhance the beneficial use of water.

Fig 1.4: Water Conservation Tank

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CHAPTER 8 :
ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS IN WATER CONSERVATION

Government Agencies:

• Develop and enforce water conservation policies, regulations, and laws.

• Provide funding and resources for water-saving initiatives and projects.

• Educate the public about water conservation importance through awareness campaigns.

• Encourage water-efficient practices in government buildings and operations.

• Support research and development of new water-saving technologies.

• Collaborate with other stakeholders to develop water conservation plans and strategies.

Water Utilities:

• Implement water-saving technologies and practices in water treatment and distribution systems.

• Promote water efficiency programs to customers, such as rebates and incentives.

• Monitor and report water usage data to identify areas for improvement.

• Develop water conservation plans and strategies.

• Educate customers about water-saving practices and technologies.

Farmers and Agricultural Industry:

• Implement water-efficient irrigation systems and practices, such as drip irrigation and crop rotation.

• Use drought-resistant crops and soil conservation methods.

• Participate in water conservation programs and initiatives, such as water-saving technologies and
practices.

• Implement water harvesting and storage systems.

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Businesses and Industry:

• Implement water-saving measures in operations and production processes.

• Invest in water-efficient technologies and practices, such as water recycling and reuse.

• Promote water conservation among employees and customers.

• Develop water conservation plans and strategies.

• Support water conservation initiatives and projects.

Communities and Individuals:

• Adopt water-saving habits and practices in daily life, such as fixing leaks and using water efficient
appliances.

• Install water-efficient appliances and fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads.

• Participate in community water conservation programs and initiatives.

• Educate friends and family about water conservation importance.

• Support water conservation policies and initiatives.

NGOs and Civil Society Organizations:

• Raise awareness about water conservation importance through campaigns and events.

• Promote water-saving practices and technologies.

• Support water conservation projects and initiatives Collaborate with other stakeholders to develop
water conservation plans and strategies.

• Advocate for water conservation policies and regulations.

The foundation of sustainable development is water.

Water a natural resource is becoming one of the most scare resources in most part of the world.
Collaboration and Engagement:

Stakeholders should collaborate and engage with each other to:

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• Share knowledge and best practices.

• Develop joint water conservation initiatives.

• Support water conservation policies and programs.

• Educate and raise awareness about water conservation importance.

• Develop water conservation plans and strategies.

By working together, stakeholders can effectively promote water conservation and ensure a
sustainable water future.

Implementation of water conservation strategies requires:

1. Collaboration: Stakeholders must work together to share knowledge, resources, and best practices.

2. Education and Awareness: Educating the public about the importance of water conservation and
promoting water-saving practices.

3. Policy and Regulation: Implementing and enforcing water conservation policies and regulations.

4. Technological Innovation: Adopting water-saving technologies and practices.

5. Community Engagement: Encouraging community involvement in water conservation efforts.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitoring and evaluating water conservation efforts to
identify areas for improvement.

By working together and implementing these strategies, we can:

• Reduce water waste and scarcity.

• Protect aquatic ecosystems.

• Support economic growth and development.

• Ensure a sustainable water future for generations to come.

• Keywords: Water Conservation, Stakeholder Participation.

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CHAPTER 9:

CONCLUSION

Water conservation is a critical aspect of ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.

The role of stakeholders, including government agencies, water utilities, farmers, businesses,
communities, and individuals, is crucial in implementing effective water conservation measures.

Water conservation is a critical imperative for a sustainable future, and its success hinges on the
collaborative efforts of diverse stakeholders.
Government agencies, water utilities, farmers, businesses, communities, and individuals must work
together to implement effective strategies that promote water efficiency, reduce waste, and protect
aquatic ecosystems.
By leveraging education and awareness, policy and regulation, technological innovation, community
engagement, and monitoring and evaluation, we can ensure a water- secure future that supports
economic growth, social well-being, and environmental health.
Through collective action and a shared commitment to water conservation, we can mitigate the global
water crisis and create a more sustainable world for generations to
Water is indispensable for life. Understanding its importance and learning how to conserve it is crucial
for ensuring a sustainable future.
As students, you can play a vital role by spreading awareness and practising water conservation in
your daily lives.
Remember, every drop counts! Here it is explained how having clean water, using proper toilets, and
washing hands can keep everyone healthy and prevent diseases.
The booklet also highlights the need to conserve water and protect our water sources.
By following good hygiene practices and using water wisely, children can help create a cleaner and
healthier environment.
Schools with clean toilets and safe drinking water help students stay healthy and attend school
regularly.
Remember, every small action, like washing hands and not wasting water, makes a big difference
in keeping our community healthy and happy,
Water conservation is a crucial endeavour in light of the finite nature of this life-sustaining
resource.
With the world's population expanding and the demand for water rising across agriculture,
industry, and households
Minimising water wastage stands at the core of conservation efforts.Addressing issues like leaky
faucets and pipes can result in significant savings.

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REFERENCE

1. "Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures." National Conference of State Legislature, Nov.-Dec.

2015.Web.<http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/water-
efficient-plumbing-fixtures635433474.aspx>
2. Balasubramanian A. (2015). The World’s Water.
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315123891_The_World’s_Water
4. Franzén, F., Hammer, M., & Balfors, B. (2015).
5. Institutional development for stakeholder participation in local water management—An
analysis of two Swedish catchments. Land
6. Use Policy, 43, 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.LANDUSEPOL.2014.11.013
7. Thirukural by Thiruvalluvar, Van sirappu, Kural 20
8. https://olc.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/sco/E7B1C4DE-C187-
5EDB3EF2897802DEA3BF/Nasa/chapter1.html
9. https://edcf.in/

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