“Water No Get Enemy” (translated as ‘water has no enemy’), is a 1975 song by the Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. It tells of the struggle between the authorities and the people. The message is based on a Yoruba proverb concerning the power of nature. If we live in harmony with nature, and not against it, our future will be assured. The point is that water is essential to human life, you can’t go without it, and only a fool would be its enemy. However, humans have become the enemy of water.
In the summer of 2022, dried up rivers and lakes in Europe are the result of high temperatures and low rainfall at least partly caused by climate change. Perversely, at the same time in other parts of the world, and in relatively dry countries like Pakistan and Australia, there have been unprecedented rainfall and floods.
The following is an outline of information on this website about sustainable water management and conservation.
Why save water
Various factors such as population growth, urbanisation and climate change are causing water shortages in many places around the world. It is anticipated that clean water will become scarcer and even more precious. In many parts of the world, the next 50 years will be drier than the last 50.
Lack of safe and reliable water causes millions of human deaths a year. There are a number of ways that people can manage water better to minimise water ‘stress’ and help the environment. Read more about why we should save water »
Who Owns the Water
Who owns the water in rivers and lakes and in the ground and in the sea? Depending on where you live, you may have to pay for water but that doesn’t mean you own it. Like the air in the atmosphere, water is a resource that all people share. The reality is that no-one owns water, we just borrow it from the environment. And what right does anyone have to despoil something they don’t own? None. Read more about who owns water »
We need to become water’s friend
Instead of being the enemy of water, we need to become water’s friend. The first step is to treat water like the valuable resource it is and use it as efficiently as possible. This will help keep water in our reservoirs, rivers and underground sources and reduce the need to build more infrastructure, such as new dams and water treatment facilities, to supply us with water.
Water conservation tips
By conserving water you keep water in reservoirs, rivers and aquifers and you help reduce the need for infrastructure such as water treatment plants, pump stations, pipes and drains. There are many tips for saving water in our homes, many of them are listed here »
Waterless Toilets
The flushing toilet may well be one of the most wasteful inventions ever. Waterless toilets, often known as composting toilets, are much more sustainable than extremely wasteful alternative. Read more »
Virtual water
Virtual water (also known as embodied water) refers to the water needed to produce food and other goods. One hamburger (125g) requires a staggering 2400 litres of water to produce it! Read more about virtual water in products and services »
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rain from roofs or from a surface catchment for use in the home or garden. Collecting rainwater on your property helps alleviate the amount of runoff into sewerage and stormwater systems which can pollute and degrade our waterways. It also means less use of town water supply which uses energy and costs money. Read more here »
Grey water recycling
Grey water recycling systems recycle bathroom and laundry waste-water by diverting it away from sewerage drains and instead using it to irrigate your garden. Read more here »
Bottled water
Bottled water is one of the most perverse use of resources. People in the western world, where there is an ample supply of good, clean tap water, buy billions of bottles of water every year, and the number is increasing. You can save money, save your health and save the planet by choosing to drink tap water and NOT bottled water. Read more here »