Environmental Engineering: Innovations in Water Supply
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
Environmental Engineering: Innovations in Water Supply
Nature has been providing us with water which is essential for survival since times immemorial. This abundant supply by nature to all forms of life is known as ‘water supply’. Increasing population leading to industrialization and other activities, however, have led to degradation of water quality. Numerous water-borne diseases have been rampant ever since the Industrial Revolution and the situation is only growing worse with time. In such a scenario, it becomes imperative to make use of the existing water resources in an efficient manner and also find newer ways to meet the demands of the growing populace. This is exactly what environmental engineering strives to do.
Environmental engineering involves the application of engineering principles to protect and restore natural ecosystems, manage water and waste streams, and make use of renewable energy sources. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines computer science, science, and engineering principles. Environmental engineering is the combination of three streams – the Biological Stream, the Physical Stream and the Chemical Stream. Together, these streams form the backbone of environmental engineering (वातावरण अभियांत्रिकी).
Innovations in Water Supply:
The main focus of environmental engineering is to optimize the use of existing water sources while still conserving them and providing safe water for human consumption. This is done through various innovations in water supply which is the mainstay of water resource management.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collection and storage of rainwater in tanks, cisterns, pits, wells, ponds, or other man-made water-bodies (मानव सृजित जल शरीर). The collected water is then used for various applications such as gardening, irrigation, recharging of groundwater reserves, etc. Rainwater harvesting is a very effective way to conserve the existing water resources and is beneficial in regions with low rainfall. It is also easily implemented in rural areas as it requires low-cost, simple techniques.
Groundwater Recharge
Groundwater recharge (ग्राउंडवॉटर रिचार्ज) is the process of replenishing the groundwater reserves by making use of artificial structures like recharge wells, recharge basins, recharge trenches, etc. These structures help in reducing groundwater depletion and ensure that the water does not seep away through the subsoil.
Desalination
Desalination (नमनीयत) is another major innovation in the field of water supply. It involves the conversion of saline seawater and other brackish water sources into usable fresh water. This water can then be used for various applications like drinking water, irrigation, etc. The process is particularly useful in coastal regions where the availability of freshwater is limited.
Greywater Reuse
Greywater reuse (ग्रे वाटर रूस) also helps in conserving the existing freshwater resources. It involves the collection and reuse of used water from household sources like showers, sinks, etc. The collected water is then filtered and treated and can be used for various non-potable applications such as watering plants, carwashing, etc. It helps to reduce the burden on the existing water supply and facilitate water conservation.
Combined Sewer Overflows
Combined sewer overflows (संयुक्त सीवर ओवरफ्लोज) help to protect the water bodies from sewage and other pollutants. Combined sewer systems are designed to divert raw sewage to the treatment plants instead of discharging it directly in the water bodies. This prevents the contamination of the water bodies, thus protecting them from water-borne diseases and other health hazards.
Conclusion
Environmental engineering is playing an increasingly important role in water conservation and management. Various innovations such as rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, desalination, greywater reuse, and combined sewer overflows are helping in conserving the existing water resources and protecting the environment from contamination. Environmental engineering has indeed revolutionized the way we look at water conservation and management.
Looking forward to the future, it is likely that more such innovations will be introduced which would further enhance the capabilities of environmental engineering in protecting and restoring natural ecosystems.
