Research shows that about 300 gallons of water are utilized by a typical family with at least 4 or more members. With the growing water demand, there are emerging challenges. Problems such as climate change and population growth make it difficult to have access to clean water. One of the promising projects of green technology is to provide solutions to clean water. Water is a necessity that is why it is one of the resources that needs to be preserved.
You can live without electricity, but it is impossible to survive without water especially for drinking. One of the biggest challenges of the world right now is water scarcity. The help from different sectors is needed to make sure that the water supply in the world can sustain future generations. Know more information about how green technology provides solutions to clean water to resolve issues of water scarcity.
Innovative Solutions to Clean Water
Engineers have developed engineering solutions that can effectively conserve freshwater.
- Large-scale desalination
Seawater is not potable for drinking because of its salt content. Due to extensive research and countless dry runs, experts proposed the possibility of the removal of salt and other minerals from the water. The large scale desalination is the process of turning seawater into drinking water.
In this process, there is no waste created because it utilizes a technology called the pump hypersaline. The unpurified water is back to the sea. Large-scale desalination is popular in the middle east. However, its downsides include costly operation and it poses threat to small sea creatures and plants that can get suck during the process.
- Wastewater treatment technology
The use of wastewater treatment technology is known as low-cost sanitation and environmental protection compared to other innovative solutions to clean water. It utilizes both terrestrial and aquatic systems. Reusing water through this process involves three technologies such as the advanced oxidation process, anaerobic digestion, and membrane technology.
The benefits of wastewater treatment technology get rid of disease-causing bacteria and it kills harmful organisms. It is also low-cost, requires less maintenance, and it is efficient in breaking down solids faster. As of the moment, this green technology is practiced in malls and other establishments.
- Solar Powered Water Filtration
In places where there are water shortages, but are abundant in heat sources, the use of solar energy is the answer. Solar power can distill water by efficiently dissolving substances through heat. The water vapor condenses into the surface of the solar panels where it is collected. Water drips down where it is collected.
- Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater collection is one of the common methods used in water conservations at home. The water is collected through the roof where it will pass down through the gutter into a tank or reservoir. The rainwater collected can be used for cleaning, but it can undergo a purification process for drinking water.
With the influence of green technology, experts are working on portable rainwater harvesting and filtration units. Through this technology, the collected water is already purified before it can go to the tank or reservoir.
- Condensation and Fog Harvesting
In places where there is a considerable amount of rainfall, the moisture is captured and stored. Right equipment such as dew and fog catchers are utilized to efficiently collect moisture from heat and fog. Before the fog water can be used as drinking water, it undergoes water quality tests to ensure that it is free from contamination.
- Laser Cloud Seeding
The cloud seeding is commonly done in countries where there is an arid climate. This is a technique used to create artificial rainfall. The process of cloud seeding may deliver high percentages of rain, but it also has a negative impact on the environment. Laser cloud seeding makes use of chemicals that can leave carbon footprints and can harm plants and animals. It also modifies the weather that can be a great reason for the disruption of climatic patterns.
- The LifeStraw
The LifeStraw aims to deliver clean water without the use of chemical treatment and other technological items. This is created through the use of hollow membrane technology with an activated carbon component. Compared to other filtration systems, this green technology is cheap, but is highly effective. This straw filter is made of steel or plastic. It can kill up to 99.9 bacteria and parasites.
This handy device is suitable for those who are into hiking and are into outdoor activities. As long as there is a body of water around, the LifeStraw can be used to purify the water on the spot. However, it is still ideal to use it in fresh bodies of water since it cannot filter salt especially when seawater is used.
Final Thoughts
Green technology plays a vital role in preserving water sustainability. The different technologies that are solutions to clean water are not the only ways on how to ensure that water supply is sufficient for all. With your ways of conservation techniques at home, you will surely make a difference in achieving sustainability.