Getting to the source of the problem

Donal Hickey on our future use of water

WE may never go back to the barrel at the corner of the house, or a large concrete tank at the gable, to catch the rain water that falls from the roofs of our houses. But water conservation and the efficient use of all water sources will become key issues as the effects of climate change become clearer.

Experts agree we’re going to have wetter winters in the north and west of the country, with drier summers and even periods of drought in the south and east. Therefore, the most densely populated areas will also become the driest and thirstiest.

As the 21st century progresses, water shortages in Dublin and other conurbations are inevitable, unless preemptive action is taken.

At the same time, according to Eric Beatty, president of the Irish Academy of Engineering, Ireland also faces continued economic development and a growing population — all of which generate further demand for water.

“These combined changes will have major implications for water for drinking and domestic use, for industry and farming, as well as the ecology of rivers and lakes, pollution and the spread of water-borne diseases, even hydro-electricity generation,’ he said.

An Taisce president Eanna Ni Leamhna recently questioned the huge wastage of water. And she wasn’t taking into the account the massive loss through leakage in public supplies.

She asked why, for example, we should be using water that’sexpensive to treat for flushing toilets, showers or washing clothes.

Given that up to 60% of private water schemes in parts of the country are contaminated by human or animal waste, Ireland already faces a major challenge in getting standards up to those required by the EU Water Framework Directive by 2015.

However, engineers will also be looking for new water sources that have been largely overlooked. Is there anything more obvious than that which falls from our skies?

There is the loss of rain water to the ground and the sewage system called ‘storm-water’. Every new building could have a method to harvest roof water. Tanks could be installed underground with built in pumps and filtration. The technology exists, but many of the people in a position to use it have not yet got round to thinking about it.

We often hear of expensive plans to desalinate sea-water, or even bringing water in tanker ships to dry countries, but why not tap into rain water for domestic needs other than drinking and cooking?

Something we’ll be hearing a lot about is the necessity to use more groundwater, which is found beneath the ground surface.

According to the EPA, new reservoirs will be built and water could be transferred from one area to another. ‘There are considerable supplies of groundwater that are unused for water supply at present,’ states the EPA report on climate change.

There will also be a greater emphasis on managing demand and eliminating wastage. Leaks will have to be plugged, while householders will be educated on how to save water.

So far, Irish householders have not been charged for water, but that situation will almost certainly change.

A changing climate will also force us to look at how water for public supply is sourced and managed in other countries.

Take the city of Melbourne in Australia, for example. Most of its water comes from mountain forests east of the city. More than 157,000 hectares have been reserved for harvesting water.

Some 90% of Melbourne’s water comes from these native forests, which catch, hold and filter rainwater as it flows across land into streams and then reservoirs. The city’s water supply system is based on the principle that it is better to start with the highest quality source water than having to treat it to reach required standards.

Finally, as an example of the practicality of the Australians, people are urged to wash their cars on their lawns.