The Water Resources Agency yesterday offered tips on how the public can conserve water, a resource that is becoming increasingly precious in Taiwan and the rest of the world.
In a water-saving campaign launched to observe World Water Day yesterday, the agency recommended an “SCD” strategy.
HELPFUL MNEMONIC?
The “S” stands for “save,” the agency said, recommending that people install faucets, shower heads, toilets and washing machines that are labeled as water-efficient.
The “C” stands for “check,” meaning that households should check regularly to make sure faucets and toilets do not leak.
“D” stands for “do,” meaning that the public should recycle water collected in dehumidifiers, air conditioners and reverse osmosis water filter systems by using it to clean floors, wash cars, flush toilets and water plants, for example.
DROP IN CONSUMPTION
The agency said these three measures would cut public water consumption by one-third. It would also mean a cut in carbon dioxide emissions, which would be good news for the nation’s polluted skies, the officials said.
The water agency launched its “SCD” campaign to raise public awareness of the value of the resource and to highlight the problem of water depletion around the globe because of climate change and overconsumption.
SHIHMEN RESERVOIR
The agency said water reserves in Taoyuan County’s Shihmen Reservoir fell to an alarming level earlier this year as a result of low rainfall and high temperatures.
Although rain brought by several cold fronts has since alleviated the problem, the public should be aware of the risk of water shortages.
Global climate change has led to altering meteorological conditions over the past several years, scientists say. Across the Taiwan Strait, parts of China are suffering droughts, with Henan Province experiencing its worst drought in 50 years since last year. Rainfall in Henan has fallen 90 percent year-on-year.
World Water Day was created by the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The goal of the annual event is to focus international attention on depleting sources of clean, safe drinking water worldwide.
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