Water quality goes down the drain TNN, Mar 23, 2010,

BANGALORE: Preventing pollution and contamination of water resources and providing public access to safe drinking water has become imminent, with water-borne diseases constituting 10 per cent of the world's disease burden.

Commemorating World Water Day, a seminar on this year's theme -- Clean water for a healthy world -- was organized by Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board (BWSSB) and Bangalore Jalamandali Abhiyantarara Sangha (BJAS) on Monday.

Inaugurating the session, Justice V Gopalagowda said: "Erosion of surface as well as groundwater quality are adding to water scarcity and adversely impacting the eco-system. Unfortunately, Karnataka has the second lowest replenishable groundwater resources among the major states after Rajasthan. Also, the state has the highest proportion of 79% of drought-prone area and second largest area of dry land."

"With Vrushabavathi, Challaghatta and Hebbal valleys getting more and more polluted, tanks and lakes in the city have dried up. Other issues like chemical contamination of water is causing both physical and mental deformity," added Gopalagowda.

Urban development department secretary Shambhu Dayal Meena called for a cap consumption, operation and maintenance of water.

A souvenir was released on the occasion.

How to save water

- Rainwater harvesting

- Recharging groundwater

- Preventing contamination of water by storing it in clean tanks, maintaining sumps

_ Proper garbage disposal

- Having well-designed and efficient soak pits and septic tanks

* Alarming numbers

- 1.5 million children under five years of age die from water-borne diseases

- More than 2.5 billion people live without proper sanitation

- Estimated 884 million people, majority of them from Africa, don't have access to safe drinking water

Small steps for big difference

For creating awareness on importance of water among youngsters, Young Men's Christian Association members observed World Water Day. "Simple steps like reducing time in the shower by five minutes can save 4,550 litres per month. Washing vehicles with bucket water instead of hose, repairing leaking taps and having percolation pits in storm water drains will enable recharge of groundwater. These small steps will make a big difference," volunteers said.