Conference highlights need to respect and protect water resources

ONE flush of a toilet in the western world uses as much water as a person in the developing world has for all their daily needs, 350 delegates from 45 countries heard in Dublin yesterday.

Key water management issues are being discussed at the week-long conference, organised by the International Water Association (IWA) and officially opened at University College Dublin by junior environment minister Pat the Cope Gallagher.

Citing the disparity in water use between rich and poor countries, Mr Gallagher said the conference provided an opportunity to focus attention on the need to respect, protect and better manage our water resources.