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Water Irrigation Management
Charles N. Zaher-Regional Manager Rain Bird
ABSTRACT
Given a fixed global fresh water supply and the growing world population, water shortages anticipated since before the 1970s are now a reality. With the world’s population now at six billion people and another two billion expected by 2028, according to United Nations’ estimates, water use globally is unbalanced. Industrialized countries dramatically consume water, while half a billion people in 31 less-developed countries struggle to obtain enough water to sustain life. That number is expected to grow to 2.8 billion (one-third of the world’s population) by 2025. Meanwhile, the earth’s aquifers, lakes and rivers are running dry, and the world faces increased risks of violent conflicts over water as a result.
Various solutions are often posed – water bans, population control, desalination, water reclamation and dual plumbing – but the most cost effective and practical solution continues to be conservation and the efficient use of water.
If water is used efficiently, it can have a significant impact on the available supply. Irrigation methods have improved dramatically in the 20th Century with advances such as sophisticated computer-operated and satellite-assisted technologies. According to The Global Water Policy Project, the use of such technologies could improve water delivery efficiency up to 95%, increase agricultural productivity, reduce water needs by 10% worldwide and double the amount of water available for household use.
Further, when combined with government conservation incentives, appropriate plant selection, education and public awareness, a sustainable, sufficient supply of water can exist worldwide with governments, entire industries and individuals serving as guardians.
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