The National Water Resources Institute, has called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of conserving water by fixing broken down taps and seek efficient ways to manage water resources.
Dr Martin Eduvie, Director, Training, with the institute, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it was worrisome that water had not been treated as a scarce resource, hence its usage haphazardly.
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“We have seen instances where people waste water while bathing, while brushing their teeth and all that, we want them to use water as a scarce resource.
“It is worrisome that a lot of people still have to trek long distances to get water for domestic uses, even in communities close to the nation’s capital, that is why we ask that we must use water in a sustainable manner.’’
According to him, because groundwater is not easily visible, it is often taken for granted, putting important drinking water and irrigation sources at risk of contamination.
He listed overuse, biological contaminants, industrial pollutants like pesticides as threats to groundwater supply and quality.
“Excessive groundwater pumping can overdraft aquifers emptying them faster than natural systems can replenish.
“Overdraft can result in wells going dry, saltwater intrusion, depletion of surface water supplies and cause the land to collapse’’.
He noted the need for adherence to drilling codes when drilling boreholes, so as to promote sustainability.
According to him, a vibrant and sustainable drilling industry is expected to increase gains for the borehole drillers and reduce drilling failure, which will in turn increase access to water supply and for rapid economic growth
According to UNICEF, one in five children does not have enough water to meet their everyday needs, with 1.42 billion people living in areas of high water vulnerability.
Nigeria is one of the countries in West Africa experiencing high water vulnerability, with causes due to pollution and drought through climate change. (NAN)
