Managing water

Although water scarcity is a global issue, solutions such as rain water harvesting must be identified at the local level (Editorial – “Stress test”, May 28). In this, India is fortunate that it is not a water scarce nation. Since the world’s fresh water supply is fixed, we will have to increasingly rely on technologies of water conservation and reuse, including recycled sewage water. Currently, a minuscule part of treated water is used for industrial purposes. The aversion to using recycled water is psychological.

Newer technologies, including advanced irrigation systems that use less water, and precision agriculture that incorporates data to boost productivity and improve soil health should be looked into. There should also be an emphasis on water recycling and efficient water use in agriculture such as drip irrigation and desalination.

H.N. Ramakrishna,

Fairfax, Virginia, U.S.