As reported by The World Counts on April, 2014 we use 10 billion tons of freshwater worldwide on daily basis. Furthermore, according to the Second UN World Water Development Report, if present levels of consumption continue, two-thirds of the global population will live in areas of water stress by 2025. In addition, human demand for water increases along with the number of world population growth and coupled with the disastrous impact of climate change will worsen the water scarcity crisis. This tightens the competition for water amongst agricultural, industrial, and human consumption. With the current situation, our water supply is definitely not secure enough in the future. As recently reported by WHO and UNICEF, there are still 2.1 billion, lack access to safe, readily available water at home. What will happen to them if this current trend of water consumption prolonged until 2025?
Added to this, the changes in human lifestyle and activities are the main factor of water scarcity crisis. The changes in human lifestyle and activities require more water per capita. According to MWIG 2017, domestic water consumption per capita per day in 2015 – 2016 was 209 liters, which is still above from Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) goal which is 180 liters by 2020.
Malaysian current domestic water consumption is literally high mainly due to
low awareness level on water conservation practices and water efficient products. Based on the study conducted by Malaysian Water Forum, most of the consumers are still unaware the presence of water efficient products which is labelled with Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme (WEPLS).
Water efficiency is differ from water conservation. Water efficiency means doing more with less water. For example, washing dishes or flushing the toilet with the least amount of water necessary to get the job done. Meanwhile, water conservation is to use only the water you need. For example, turning off the water when you brush your teeth. Both have the same goal which is to reduce water consumption.
Water efficient products can save more water in the long term. For instance, according to Australian Government, water efficient showerhead could save up to 19 litres of water a minute in the shower. Thus, the annual savings are around 14,500 litres. Plus, water efficient washing machine model could save up to 65% of the water.
In conclusion, water efficient products may help us to save more water apart from practicing water conservation. Reduce your water consumption before it's used up one day.
Nur Imani Binti Abdullah
Forum Air Malaysia