Figure 25.12: A water purification system at Bret Lake, Switzerland. Contaminants are
removed and clean new water is created. ( 32 )
Ways to Save Water
While we will deal further with this topic in the next Lesson (25.3) on Natural Resources,
we will examine here how saving water can also contribute to maximizing clean water for
future use. In addition, preventing water pollution is one way of preserving precious water
resources.
One way to make sure that water is kept clean and conserved is the use of wastewater reuse
or cycling systems, including the recycling of wastewater to be purified at a water treatment
plant. By that means, many of the waterborne diseases, caused by sewage and non-treated
drinking water, can be prevented.
Therearealsovariousmeansofwaterpurification, wherebycontaminantsareremovedfroma
rawwatersourceandatthesametimecreatecleannewwater. Atmosphericwatergeneration
is one technology that can provide high quality drinking water by extracting water from the
air by cooling the air and thus condensing the water vapor.
Reclaimed water, or recycled water (Figure25.13) that is treated and allowed to recharge
the aquifer, is used for non-drinking purposes, so that potable water is used for drinking.
This helps to conserve high quality water.
Anotherwaytoreducewaterpollutionandatthesametimeconservewaterisviacatchment
management. This is used to recharge groundwater supplies, helps in the formation of
groundwater wells, and eventually reduces soil erosion, one cause of pollution, due to running
water.
In addition, both developed and developing countries can increase protection of ecosystems,