Chapter 20: Drop by Drop

People in Madho’s village usually fetch water from a nearby pond. As the nearby pond has also dried up, his mother and sister have to walk a longer distance to fetch water. Sometimes a train carrying water comes, and Madho’s father goes to fetch water in his camel cart. Some people collect and store rainwater in tanks (tanka). They filter the rainwater through a special procedure and use the water for drinking after it is cleaned.

Madho’s mother and sister go to the nearby pond to fetch water. His father goes to fetch water in his camel cart. Sometimes, Madho is permitted to take water from one of the tankas of the village.

Rainwater is collected by some people through a special method and stored in tanks (tanka). The tanka is kept covered with a lid always, and the water collected is filtered properly and is used for drinking after it is cleaned.

No, rainwater is not collected in my house.

Yes, water can be collected in tanks, drums, buckets, etc. It can also be stored by setting up water collection units or plastic water tanks on the house rooftop.

Here are some useful tips to save water:

• Never leave a water tap open
• While brushing your teeth or taking a bath, do not leave the tap or shower running.
• Fill a bucket of water instead of showering while taking a bath.
• Any wastewater left after washing clothes can be reused to clean your washroom after use.
• Any unused water can also be used to water plants in the garden.
• In case of any water leakage, get it repaired at the earliest.
• Recycle water whenever possible.

Yes, there was a tap in my garden which was leaking water drop by drop. My father got it repaired as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary leakage of water.

Yes, we can use the water that has been used for one purpose for other purposes. As per the picture given above, bathing water can be used to bathe the animals.

Besides, water left after washing vegetables can be used to water plants in the garden. Leftover water after washing clothes can be recycled for cleaning the house, such as mopping the floors. Water used for washing hands and feet can be utilised in the toilet.