049 | REALISING SUSTAINABILITY: WATER
       
    possible options in the water sector    
         
Protecting aquifers that are no longer recharged and limiting use of ground-water to the rate at which it is recharged by pricing schemes, regulations, and water conservation measures;    
Increasing the efficiency of water using appliances (such as showers, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers);    
There should be less extraction of water for irrigation purposes as part of the transition to ecological farming;    
Promoting use of surface water instead of groundwater. A precondition for the increased use of surface water is keeping it to an acceptable quality standard. In order to keep surface water clean the main polluters have to be identified and forced to reduce contamination. Industrial plants need to be equipped with advanced treatment technology and closed water systems;    
Introducing dual supply systems which use waste (or 'grey' water) for functions that do not require potable (or drinking) water;    
Preventing further expansion of long distance transportation of water;    
Bringing flowing waters back to their natural regimes, by reducing artificial drainage and the sealing of land by built development;    
Initiating discussion about 'water culture' at a local level, as sustainable water management is more than just a technical issue.    
         
    sector specific measures and strategies    
         
    Energy | more about energy    
    Non-renewable resources | more about raw materials    
    More about land use    
    Wood | more about wood    
    Water | more about water    

 

     

    more    
         
    Water Briefing by Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland    
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