Water covers more than 70 ­percent of the surface of our planet; next to air, water is the most essential and important element for the sustenance and preservation of life. Water is an indispensable source of health and nutrition for living beings. However, only 3 percent of earth’s water is freshwater while two-thirds of it is tucked away in frozen glaciers or is unavailable for our use. This is the water we drink, use for irrigation and as a part of the sanitation system. In short, human beings, animals and plants need freshwater to survive.

Fresh water is a limited commodity, which, if not managed and maintained properly, will result in water shortages in the near future and will have dire consequences on the lives of human beings, animals and plants.

In order to resolve the water crisis, water conservation can help to alleviate the impeding water shortage. In order to save water for individual levels, people should turn off the water while brushing teeth and also while shaving; also they should never let the faucet run while cleaning vegetables and should do regular inspection for any faucet or pipe leaks. It is often seen that people wash cars every weekend; this is irresponsible use of water and should be avoided.

Moreover, people should plant drought resistant trees and water the lawn only when needed. In addition to this, people should educate their children about the importance of water, ways to conserve it and discourage children to play with hose and sprinklers.

At the national level, the government should implement policies to change the approach to water management and help in water conservation. We really need a realistic water management policy. The government should educate the general public about the importance of saving water and should also overcome any public concerns about the quality and safety of recycled water for the well-being of human beings, animals and plants. Moreover, the government should improve groundwater harvesting, educate farmers about the ways they can save water and construct water conservation and storage mechanisms. As a responsible and conscientious citizen, it is our duty to be actively involved in water conservation and preservation because it will not only benefit us but will benefit the generations to come.