Unconventional Water Resources: UN
Recently a book titled ‘Unconventional Water Resources’ has been released by the United Nations. In this, UN experts have called on nations to exploit unconventional water resources.
This book has been compiled by experts from the following institutions:
- United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH);
- UNU Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and Resources, and
- United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
Unconventional water resources (UWRs) generally include saline water, brackish water, runoff water for agricultural irrigation, treated or untreated wastewater effluents, etc. These are all low- or low-quality waters. The use of this water requires the adoption of more complex management practices and strict monitoring procedures.
Strategies for Unconventional Water Resources-
- Research and practice should be promoted on both its technical and non-technical aspects.
- It should be ensured that the use of unconventional water does not harm the environment.
- In times of uncertainty, efforts should be made to establish unconventional water as a reliable source of water.
- Complementary and multi-faceted approaches such as addressing water scarcity and climate change together should be supported.
Source- The Hindu