5. Socio-political aspects

2

An essential component of successful water

conservation program

Inform the public about the basics of water use

efficiency (pamphlet, newsletters, tv/radio-programs, web

sites, competition and exhibition/fair):

- How water is delivered to them?

- What are the costs of water service?

- Why water conservation is important?

- How they can participate in conservation efforts?

School education is also an important means for

instilling water conservation awareness

Public Education

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Source: (Coe, 1978)

5

When brushing your teeth, don’t let the tap run

continuously, use a beaker of water to rinse your mouth.

Fix dripping taps – these could waste up to 30 litres per day, enough to operate a shower for five minutes.

Only use the washing machine when you have a full load or use half load facilities.

Do your washing up or washing of vegetables, in a bowl, not under a running tap. If you use a dishwasher try to use it only on full load.

Look for water efficient appliances when replacing those in kitchen and bathroom

Simple tips to save water in the home

Source: Environmental Agency UK

7

Australia is showing leadership on water efficiency

labelling with the Water Efficiency Labelling and

Standards (WELS) scheme being the first national

scheme of its kind in the world.

The WELS scheme introduces mandatory water efficiency labels on all showerheads, washing machines, toilets, dishwashers, urinals and some types of taps, as well as minimum water efficiency standards for toilets.

Water Efficiency Labelling

Source: Environmental Agency UK

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Rules and regulations that form the basis of WDM policy - Use of specific plumbing fixtures and devices

Example: Code of practice for Water fixtures in Singapore

- Requirement for rainwater harvesting

Example: Regulations in some cities in India

Requirements of water reuse and conservation in

industrial complexes.

Subsidies for water saving devices and systems used

in treating and reusing waste water

Regulation for resale of water

Legal and Policy Measures

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In 1989, Australia made it mandatory for all new toilets

installed be fitted with a 4.5/9.0 litre dual-flush cistern.

In 1996 the authorities further tightened water

consumption in the bathroom and decided to reduce the

dual-flush to 3.0/6.0 litres.

New York has a free changeover program where the

local council will pay for 100% of the cost of replacing

an old 10-12 litre flush toilet with the new 1.6 gallon (7.2

litre) flush toilet.

Since July 1996 Singapore Government has made it

compulsory for all new toilets to be fitted with a flushing

capacity of no more than 4.5 litres.

Legal and Policy Measures (Examples)