Section 05: Water

You never know the worth of water until the well runs dry. -– Traditional saying

Today, 36% of the global population — approximately 2.4 billion people — already live in water-scarce regions. Nearly a quarter of the world’s GDP ($9.4 trillion at 2000 prices) comes from water-short areas. Moreover, 39% of current global grain production depends on unsustainable water use. According to IFPRI’s analysis, current “business as usual” water management practices and levels of water productivity will put at risk approximately $63 trillion, or 45 percent of the projected 2050 global GDP (at 2000 prices), equivalent to 1.5 times the size of today’s entire global economy. Moreover, 4.8 billion people (52 percent of the world population) will be exposed to severe water scarcity by 2050. — International Food Policy Research Institute

Section 5 Table of Contents

05011 The hydrological cycle — Water is life! A basic description of the water cycle and why it is so important.

05021 Bioregional water issues — I don't know the bioregional water issues for your particular geography, but I think you should know them. In detail.

05031 Urban Water Issues — Where does it come from? Where does it go? How much do you use? How to radically reduce your contribution to bioregional water pollution issues.

05041 Rainwater Harvesting Free water from the skies! Not a nuisance, but a gift! How to take advantage of this opportunity.

05051 Strategies, Techniques, and Tools for Water Conservation — Ideas for becoming more water conservative.

05061 Greywater — Getting full value for your water.

05071 Water in your lifestyle design — Areas of design that need attention.

05081 Water inventory — Questions that must be asked.

05091 Water Design Challenges — Small scale designs that develop your skills.

05101 Additional Water Resources — Books for more research and knowledge.