Water conservation is increasingly important as global demand for freshwater rises due to population growth and climate change. Many households can reduce t...

(a) Method that saves the most water per day [1]

Using a watering can instead of a hose, saving 350 litres per household per day. [1]

This is by far the largest single saving, reflecting the very high flow rate and extended use time of garden hoses.

(b) Total water saving if all six methods adopted [1]

\[ 40 + 30 + 15 + 350 + 25 + 20 = 480 \text{ litres per household per day} \] [1]

(c) Why water conservation is important even in water-rich countries [4]

1. Treating and distributing water requires significant energy input (pumping, filtration, chemical treatment, heating). This energy consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing water use also reduces carbon emissions. [1]
2. Over-extraction from rivers and aquifers can damage freshwater ecosystems by lowering water levels, reducing river flows and drying out wetlands that support diverse wildlife. [1]
3. Climate change is making rainfall patterns less predictable and increasing the frequency of droughts, even in regions that currently receive plentiful rain. Conserving water now builds resilience against future shortages. [1]
4. Population growth increases total water demand. Even where per-capita supply is currently adequate, a rising population can turn abundance into scarcity if consumption habits remain unchanged. [1]

(d) Why many households do not adopt water conservation methods [4]

1. Many people are simply unaware of how much water they waste or of the cumulative environmental impact of individual household consumption. Without awareness, there is no motivation to change. [1]
2. In areas where water prices are low or where water charges are not metered (flat-rate billing), there is little financial incentive to reduce consumption because usage does not affect the bill. [1]
3. Some conservation measures require an upfront investment: installing a dual-flush toilet, a low-flow showerhead, or a rainwater harvesting system all cost money that households may not prioritise over other spending. [1]
4. Habits are difficult to change. People become accustomed to long showers, hosing the garden, and running half-empty washing machines. Conservation measures may be perceived as inconvenient or requiring effort for a saving that feels invisible at the individual level. [1]