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We’ve all heard the phrase- “The third world war will be fought on water”. This is no longer a future dystopian fantasy but a hard-hitting reality. From Cape Town to Chennai, the world is facing an acute water crisis. Water shortage is no longer a remote phenomenon happening in villages. It’s right here on our doorsteps in the world’s biggest megacities.

Here are some facts highlighting the global water crisis in 2019.

1. More people die from unsafe water than from all forms of violence, including war.
2. In sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls spend an estimated 40 billion hours a year collecting water.
3. India is currently ranked 120 among 122 countries in the water quality index.
4. It is predicted that by 2040, around 33 countries are likely to face extremely high water stress - including 15 in the Middle East, most of Northern Africa, Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Spain. Many other countries- including India, China, Southern Africa, USA, and Australia - will face high water stress.
5. Global groundwater depletion is increased by 22 percent between 2000 and 2010 while India's rate of groundwater depletion is increased by 23 percent during the same period.
6. 844 million people around the world are without basic water access. That’s more than twice the population of the United States.

Basically, we need to start caring and look for solutions. Small steps lead to major outcomes. So here’s a list of changes you can make in your showering and bathroom habits to do your small bit in minimizing the water crisis plaguing us today-

Bucket bath over shower

The average 10-minute shower uses almost 60- 70 L of water. You can avoid this unnecessary wastage of water by choosing a bucket bath. In terms of water conservation, this Indian method of bathing is without parallel.

Check for leaks

Check for leaks in your toilet, sink, and showerhead regularly. It might not seem like much but every drop of water counts! Don’t keep delaying it and call your plumber ASAP!

Turn it off!

Turn the shower off while you do anything that takes time (shaving, applying shampoo, hair conditioner). This has the smallest impact but could cut water usage in half depending on the things you do in the shower.

Train your hair to need less washing

Frequent shampooing makes your hair even more vulnerable to damage. It strips the hair of its natural oils so the scalp starts producing more oil, making your hair greasy. Try bringing down your shampoo days to twice a week. It’ll keep the hair healthy and chemical-free. Also, for people with coloured hair, use less water as the colour gets washed away easily.

Also, instead of wasting water by thinking deeply while showering, save your thoughts for a quiet room because you are wasting too much water.

So don’t think, shower quickly!