Sydney water crises lesson for all

After dam shortages dropped from 95 percent to 53 percent in two years, the NSW capital Sydney on June 1st entered level one water restrictions. The city has turned to water restrictions for the first time in a decade. Sydney's level one restriction will effect gardens, pools, washing of outdoor areas and vehicles.

Climate change is the major factor behind shortage. As there is not sufficient rainfall for the last 3 years in Waigett, Moree, Narrabri and Dubbo besides some of the hottest temperatures recorded in NSW which results the dry-up of soil and more evaporation from dams leads to water crises.

No one will be safe from drought, “Quite possible next time you get air when you turn on your tap”. Biggest lesson from world current water crises is the need for people to take water wise messages more seriously. Challenge is not suggesting changes but getting people to implement these changes in their daily lives, otherwise at the end of the day we all will be standing in queues cursing Government for poor policies with zero water in our buckets.

Wise efforts are required at all levels. Water conservation display signs and messages should not be ignored. Parents should educate children about the basic water-saving methods. Employees and co-workers should be made aware of water scarcity issues and their impacts.

Efforts on Individual Level

1. Fill sink to wash dishes.
2. Wash laundry on full load.
3. Quick showers.
4. Water lawn and gardens with rain captured water.
5. Flushing less in toilets.
6. Use brooms instead of hose to clean floors, driveways and sidewalks.
7. Switch to waterless process where possible.

Efforts on Government Level

1. Oblige commercial sectors hotels, malls, school, factories to measure and manage their water resources more appropriately.
2. Emphasis on water recycling.
3. Installation of Recharging wells on Rainy catchments.
4. Implement short term Level Restrictions based on water consumption in cities when and where required.
5. Display more messages and signs on public places regarding water conservation.

Use of Technology

1. Water use calculators to help people learn how to get under the 50-liter threshold.
2. Use of Real time IOT technology for water meters.
3. Install auto level shut-off devices for water reservoirs.
4. More Use of leak detecting devices.
5. Use of Vacuum Toilets in Public Places