Ghanaians urged to use water efficiently
The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has re-emphasised the need for Ghanaians to use water more efficiently in view of the alarming threats to the country’s water resources.
The company noted that while efforts were being made to bridge the gap between water demand and supply, responsible water use could significantly help ensure that available water meets consumer needs.
The Regional Chief Manager of Accra Tema Metropolitan Area (ATMA) Production of GWL, Mr Charles Tulashie, gave the advice during a facility visit for students of Accra Girls’ Senior High School to the Weija Water Treatment Plant in Accra on Friday.
The visit was part of activities marking this year’s World Water Day, observed globally on the theme: ‘Glacier Preservation’ and in Ghana under the theme: ‘Water Conservation.’
Organised jointly by GWL’s Accra East Region and Accra Tema Metropolitan Area (ATMA) Production Region, the visit was used to educate students on processes involved in the abstraction and treatment of water at the Weija Water Treatment Plant, which supplies water to Accra West Region and parts of Accra East Region.
It was aimed at raising awareness of freshwater resources and encouraging the students to become advocates of water conservation.
Mr Tulashie highlighted that nearly two billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water, with many water sources increasingly at risk due to human activities.
“Through deliberate and effective cooperation in conserving water, we can balance everyone’s water needs, prevent water-borne diseases, and ensure water and food security,” he emphasised.
Urging the public to adopt home-based water conservation measures to support national efforts, the Regional Chief Manager recommended the installation of low-flow showerheads, which can save up to 15 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower.
He also advised individuals to turn off the shower while soaping or lathering and switch it back on only when ready to rinse.
Additionally, Mr Tulashie encouraged the public to turn off taps when brushing their teeth or washing their hands.
“Using a bucket and pail to wash your car is a water-efficient and eco-friendly alternative to using a hose,” he said.
“Also, watering plants and lawns early in the morning or late in the evening reduces water evaporation, allowing plants to absorb moisture more effectively and promoting healthy growth”, he added.
Mr Tulashie further urged the public to check and repair leaks immediately and adopt rainwater harvesting as a means of conserving water.
“As a company, we will ensure that all water we treat is potable and safe for use. However, we must accelerate efforts at all levels to protect shared water sources for future generations,” he stressed.
The Communications Manager for Accra East Region and ATMA Production of GWL, Nana Yaw Barima Barnie, stated that although the Weija Treatment Plant had the capacity to produce 54 million gallons of water daily, it currently supplies an average of 45 million gallons a day due to infrastructural bottlenecks.
Moreover, he called on students to be ambassadors for water conservation, stating; “If you protect freshwater resources, you protect water for everyone.”
“Let us do everything within our power to ensure that freshwater sources are protected. If you destroy a water source, you destroy lives because, without water, survival is impossible.
A person who goes without water for seven days may become dehydrated and could even die,” Mr Barnie warned.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
