Small plot watering from rainwater harvesting, Zambia



Incorporating

The Water Page is an independent initiative dedicated to the promotion of sustainable water resources management and use.  A particular emphasis is placed on the development, utilisation and protection of water in Africa and other developing regions.

A new selection of water photos from Mozambique,
February 2005

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How much water does the food processing industry use? HR Wallingford, with funding from the British Government (DFID), publishes a Handbook for the Assessment of Catchment Water Demand and Use

Faith, development and poverty Article 1

Water Resources Management web based information 30 different themes Hundreds of references Making it easier to find information on the Web

OPINION - Confusing Cause and Effect - Poverty, Development & the Environment The threat to the environment in the North is excess and in the South is poverty, therefore the solutions are different - development is the only chance to restore the balance in the South.

National Geographic features water and quotes The Water Page as a major source of information. Visit this site to learn about sustainable water use and management in Africa and other developing regions."

Ode to the Development Worker

A development philosophy - leave no footprints

To review the features from previous months,
go to the Features Page

Welcome to the Water Page

Man can live for days without food, but cannot survive without water; for this essential liquid is vital to life. Without water, many life forms would suffer or even die out. The mission of this page is to deliver information beyond just the properties of water. It is a website that covers all topics about water.

The Water Page is also abundant in information. First, there is information on different water products. For example, do you know that the cost of tap water is 10,000 times lower than the price of imported bottled water? Imagine how much money could be saved just by consuming tap water instead of bottled water! There is also information on other water products, like water heaters, water filters, water dispensers and water ionizers.

You can find information on water services as well. Water damage has been a problem in many communities. It is crucial to be informed about water damage restoration and cleanup. The process of water testing and filtration also plays an important role in checking for water damage, which can cause water pollution.

There are general resourceful sections on the website. Each section is aimed to give users more information about and a better understanding of common water topics, including information about water pollution, the water cycle and much more.

Learn about Water Heaters

One of the most common water products are water heaters. A water heater is usually present in most homes, as it makes cold mornings bearable by providing one with hot showers. However, hot water heaters are not the only type in market. There are many different hot water heaters, so it is important that each consumer purchase the best water heaters for their situation. When consumers are in need of hot water heater repair, they can also use different types of water heaters as an alternative.

A tankless water heater is great because of its portability. It does not have a storage tank, thus it is instantaneous. It avoids standby heat loss as it heats water only when needed. However, some tankless heater reviews are negative and pay reference that tankless heaters do not have the capability of supplying an entire household with hot water.

Meanwhile, solar water heaters have been known for its cost saving property; because it only uses the sun’s energy to heat water, the savings can offset the installation costs of the solar system. Propane water heaters are also cost effective water heaters. Compared with electric hot water heaters, or most models of electric water heater, propane water heaters fill up and heat water in half the time compared to the electric kind.

Water heater prices are going up in the market, so it is important to read water heater reviews in order to find the water heater that is the best for your household. Each person should make a comparison of the different kinds whether it is an electric tankless water heater, heat pump water heater or a gas water heater to find out which model best meets their needs. A plus factor to consider would be energy efficient water heater.

Water Damage Help

No water system is perfect; there are times when water damage will occur. Cleaning water damage is not an easy task. Although slight water damage is easily manageable even within members of the household, for extensive water damage, homeowners may need to call a water damage company to come clean up the mess and follow through with necessary repairs. The costs depend on how much water damage help is needed. The following are suggestions for dealing with water damage problems:

1. Water damage comes in many forms. With small water damage repairs, like a simple seepage in the foundation or leaky pipes, the first thing to consider in the water damage household is to remove all items associated with the water damage. It may be things, such as furniture, books, picture frames and most importantly, electrical wires that may hinder one’s safety. Remember that safety should be top priority in the water damage house.

2. In cases of water damage house mold, there is need for water damage restoration. Molds are difficult to get rid of and it will ruin any surface where it grows; plus, molds may be hazardous to your health. Homeowners should call a water damage company to assess the situation and see if it is extensive enough to need the service of a water damage house repair company to clear the area of molds. If it is only a minor problem, be sure to wear protective clothing before removing the molds. Seal the molds in a plastic bag after removing so that the spores of the mold will not become airborne as it can find another place to grow inside the home.

3. Water damage restoration cost may be cheaper if you do the water damage house repair by yourself. For example, in repairing water damaged ceiling, it is suggested to stop the source of water first and dry both the upper and lower part of the ceiling. The damaged ceiling must be removed, so it cannot harm anyone. The ceiling must be prepared and coated with a primer that can cover any kind of stain before repainting it.

As for repairing water damaged floors, the standard of removing all things in the area is the very first step. Carpets may be discarded or you can opt to try carpet water damage restoration. Removing extra moisture from the floor is a must and can be done by using dehumidifiers. An anti-mold treatment is necessary before preparing the floor for repair and restoration depending on the type of floor in your household. In cases of a large affected area like the basement, you may need to call a professional for basement water removal.

The Best Water Filters

Like water damage, contaminated water is also a big problem affecting many communities. That is why it is necessary to discuss about water filters. Many water filter models do not only remove impurities of water but it is also an innovation in itself. Different kinds of water filtration systems were made to cater to the needs of people and it is up for the consumer to choose the best one in the market.

In home water filters, there are many kinds to choose from. There are the countertop or canister filters, which are the simplest water filter system in the market. There are the whole house water filters that are designed to remove rust particles and sediments from water entering the home. It is placed in the main water line and is easy to install. The under sink filters remove bad odors, sediment, bacteria and lead. There are also faucet mounted filters, which are small and filter water at the point of use; however, its negative point is that it provides limited water filtration compared to others.

Aside from home water filters, there is also another kind of water filter system, called carbon water filters. It utilizes chemical adsorption in removing impurities and contaminants as it uses a piece of activated carbon. Also, it exposes contaminants to the filter media in a large section of surface area. Carbon water filters are said to be the most effective in removing volatile organic compounds, sediment and chlorine from water. Unfortunately, it is not that effective in removing dissolved inorganic compounds, minerals and salts. With all these valuable information found in this water page, you will be able to find solutions to any kind of water problem.