CHENNAI: While the country is
blessed with some of the largest river systems in the world, water
scarcity is fast becoming our biggest woe. The increasing water need of
the growing population has led to a decline of per capita availability
of fresh water from 3,000 cu m to 1,123 cu mover the past 50 years. In
urban areas, the situation is worse as only one-third of homes have
drinking water facility from a treated tap source, and only one-fifth
have closed drainage connectivity. The demand of 135 litres per capita
daily (LPCD) is more than three times the rural demand of 40 LPCD.

On World Water Day, in line with the
United Nations theme, “Why Waste Water?” we should also take a pledge to
reduce and reuse water. Given that water is mainly used for sanitation
across the country, smart bathrooms and toilets are the way to water
management solutions. Advanced technology and water saving habits must
be adopted. Innovative products like digital faucets, electronic
toilets, waterless urinals come with smart function and latest designs,
thus making them a great fit for any modern day bathroom. Water used in
showers, toilets, and sinks account for approximately 3/4th of the water
used in our daily lives and hence bathroom is a great place to start
making water conscious decisions this World Water Day.

By adopting these small changes, we will
not only become water conservationist and save the planet’s most
precious natural resource but also save on our water bill. While a
leisure bath is needed once in a while, spending less time in the shower
is the first step towards saving water. For keeping track of time, you
carry the phone into the bathroom and time yourself by how many songs
play while you are in there. To save water, limit the shower time to a
single song. Using a bucket is always better. However, adjusting the
water temperature while your bucket is filling instead of waiting for
them to fill and then discarding the water for it being too cold or hot
saves not only water but also your time.

Constant tap drips can lose many gallons
of water eacch day and should be immediately fixed. If an immediate
action is not feasible, keep a bucket under it and mop the house next
day using that water. One of the major leaks that go unnoticed is a
toilet flush. A quick trick to check it is by putting a dye or food
colouring into the tank. In the case of a leak, the colour will appear
in the bowl without flushing. Additionally, refrain from flushing things
down the toilet to dispose them off. Make a habit of throwing waste in
the garbage bin.

If you are remodelling a bathroom, you
can install water saving products. The best technologies available in
the market are: waterless urinals — the automated, waterless urinals
have elevated the hygiene standards in the ever-evolving sanitary ware
industry. The flush free urinal systems work without water, making it
the most advanced product in the category. The products available are
built in such a way that they do not require any power or liquid barrier
for the closure of drainage that makes it versatile, thus saving two
very important aspects of today’s life — water and electricity.

This comes with inbuilt air perfume thus
preventing foul smell. Cold start faucets — the revolutionary
technology of digitised toilets have changed the way customers see
hygiene in the bathroom space. Cold start faucet is an innovation
designed for sustainability, with water and energy saving capability and
zero CO2 emissions. It allows you to use cold water for daily bathroom
rituals with a lever in the centre. In addition to saving water, you’ll
be saving energy, as it prevents the boiler from firing up when not
needed. Washbasin and water closet — a never-before product in terms of
design and solutions, the washbasin and water closet is a perfect
example that reflects “water-reuse technology”.

It reuses waste water from the washbasin
to fill the toilet cistern. An integration of the expression of
innovation and design, perfect for saving water and space. Steam showers
instead of water showers — power of steam helps keep clean and are also
very water efficient. They use less water than a traditional shower and
are very relaxing to use. Flow limiters and aerators — adding a flow
limiter to a shower system allows you to achieve more sustainable water
consumption without affecting comfort levels. It limits the flow of
water and, additionally, boosts comfort giving the body a pleasant
tingling sensation. Other advanced features: Additional features like
dual flush WCs, low water consumption urinals, water and energy saving
faucets are favoured all over the world and should be adopted by
everyone.

(The writer is MD, Roca Bathroom Products)