Water Conservation is the minimisation of water loss, the care and protection of water resources, and the efficient and effective use of water. The concept generally focuses on the efficiency of processes or actions associated with water resource use.
Water Re-use is a form of conservation, as the re-used water replaces fresh water provided by other sources. Virtually all the water coming from a household tap can be used at least twice. The water from one use, say bathing, may be suitable for further use, such as irrigation of gardens. Water re-use not only provides an alternative source of water, it also reduces wastewater treatment needs by minimising the waste water discharge. Additionally, water re-use by large consumers - for example agriculture - makes more fresh water resources available for other sectors. Properly implemented, water re-use has the potential to bring about significant environmental, economic and financial benefits.
Rainwater harvesting allows water to be collected so that it can be used later.
Source: Kruchem 2008
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Both, Angola and Namibia, have limited water resources in the Kunene River basin, and anticipate increasing demand as a result of climate change, population growth, and industrial development. It is thus important for all sectors to optimise the use of water to ensure that both basic human needs and environmental requirements are met, now and in future. Implementation of water conservation principles is essential.
The goals of water conservation and re-use include:
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Sustainability - to ensure availability for future generations, through the sustainable use of water
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Energy conservation - to minimise energy needs for water pumping, delivery, and wastewater treatment facilities
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Habitat conservation - to minimise water use thus helping to preserve fresh water ecosystems, and reduce the need to build dams and other water diversion infrastructure
The SADC Protocol on Shared Watercourses requires all basin states to adopt Integrated Water Resource Management Plans (IWRMP) to address efficient use of water resources and conservation. This is further discussed in the theme Governance.
