Climate Change
The big problem
Water scarcity, the big problem
In an exhibition of the environmental program of the United States was reported that water scarcity will be one of the two major problems of the new millennium –the other one is the problem caused by the greenhouse effect.
The World Water Council warns that by 2020 the available water resources will not be sufficient to meet the needs of human society at a global level.
Europe
20% of all surface waters in the European Union is seriously threatened by pollution.
Groundwater supplies provide about 65% of all drinking water in Europe.
60% of European cities over-exploit their groundwater supplies.
United States
Almost half of rivers, lakes and streams were found damaged or threatened by pollution.
Public water supplies stopped being pumped because groundwater supplies were polluted.
The most serious problems occur in the West, where poor water management practices, the luxuriant growth and exceptional drought hit people and ecosystems.
Mexico
Waste, poor spatial planning and deforestation have caused water shortages in Mexico.
The water sources have been contaminated by industrial waste chemicals, dirt and germs. Even the dirty water is scarce.
The needs of Mexico City (20 million inhabitants) has lead to the decline of the water table of 3.4 meters per year.
Russia and Eastern Europe
In Russia and Eastern Europe one third of the country’s rivers are unfit for any use.
In Russia the pollution of the Volga eliminated the caviar industry.
Middle East
Satellite shows that the water of the Middle East is “drying up”
The drinking water in large parts of the Middle East showed a worrying decline in the last decade, confirmed a NASA study conducted by two satellites.
New culture for the water
The new water policy sets new criteria and priority changes. From traditional strategy (constructions) for the supply of water in the direction of demand management and conservation – conservation of water resources.
Changes in policies, priorities but also in daily habits in order to save water is now an urgent priority.
Water saving potential
While it is believed that Europe has adequate water resources, the incidence of water scarcity in the European Union is increasing.
In a study charged by the Commission estimated that only through technological improvements can the efficiency of water use be improved by 40%.
promoting the installation of water saving devices on taps, showers and toilets, will significantly reduce water consumption in households.
Reduction of water waste, recycling and reuse
Municipalities in Europe, the U.S. and other countries are financing the implementation of water saving devices, with spectacular results.
The use of rainwater and water from sinks and washbasins, can restore a large proportion of the potable water currently used for toilets, cleaning the house, watering.
Measures of the European Commission Environment about water
The European Commission adopted the new tightening strategy for water management.
Repricing of water, restriction on the use of rural water and water saving programs at home and reuse, are among the measures announced by the European Commission Environment to ensure sufficient quantity of good quality water for all Europeans.