Water is an essential constant of existence. Although it covers an estimated seventy percent of the earth’s surface area, only a fraction is available as freshwater. Even a smaller percentage is suitable for human use. Though it can be the most destructive force on earth, water is paramount to sustaining life. In its varying forms, water currently sustains the world’s six billion people.
Unfortunately, water resources are being depleted at an alarming rate. There is increasing fear that water resources could likely be the new oil, considering the reducing water inflows worldwide.
Botswana has been pointed out as one of the first countries to face water shortages, as predicted by the Word Economic Forum. Water, food and energy have been identified as the world’s greatest threats, alongside corruption and drug trafficking.
 So, when you open the tap while you brush your teeth, wash your car with a hosepipe and have a half hour shower or bath, do you ever have any thought that perhaps one day, you will open your tap to no water. Imagine the gloomy scenario of drought!
┬á‘A nation that fails to plan intelligently for the development and protection of its precious water resources will be condemned to wither because of its short sightedness. The hard lessons of history are clear, written on the deserted sands and ruins of once proud civilizations.’ These words, by former United States President, Lyndon B Johnson, sum up the fears of a thirsty, waterless future for countries like Botswana.
It is interesting to note that this assertion was made in the past millennium, yet remains essentially true, considering the current global situation. Bringing it home, we are faced with a mammoth task of conserving water resources and seeking alternative access points to meet our local demands. Botswana has no perennial river and has a drought-prone environment and high dam evaporation rates. With the few water resources to meet ordinary demand and support for economic growth, it surely is a cause of concern.
┬áEarlier this year, Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) received US $40 million emergency funds to address challenges in affected operational areas. WUC is the custodian of Gaborone, Bokaa, Nnywaane, Shashe, Letsibogo and Ntimbale dam. More recently, WUC was forced to shut down Bokaa dam, as water levels dried down owing to drought. Moreover, WUC has admitted to experiencing shortages due to inadequate supply and a decrease in the yield of boreholes. Southern Africa is generally hobbled by poor water resources ÔÇô the problem fed by erratic rainfall, frequent drought and unfavourable topography, source development and utilization. ┬á
Due to rapid urban growth, considerable extensions of operations have been planned, with the capacity of the pipelines in Gaborone dam being increased. In the previous years, rainfall has been 50 percent below average, and though the water situation slightly improved, it still remains unstable. The national water master plan offers a longer term solution to the water problem in the country, and was concluded with the major dam at Letsibogo, along Motloutse River, in 1998.
Scientists and engineers are faced with the repercussions of enormous environmental exploitations throughout the last century. There is a constant struggle to protect earth from global warming and find alternative sources of energy to replace diminishing supply of fossil fuels and rescue the global economy. The high demands deplete water resources. Climate change is a contributory factor by reducing precipitations and increasing evaporation. Human needs ÔÇô domestic, industrial and agricultural ÔÇô are increasing and this poses strain to the already limited water resource we have.
Water can no longer be viewed as an unlimited source but a precious resource.
People must continuously be taught to conserve water in their daily use. That commitment must be at the same level as that in HIV/AIDS awareness. It is becoming inevitable for governments to put in place trade systems for water rights and have a revenue neutral cap. This would possibly allow for efficient water usage and monitoring. Botswana could model ideas from the USA which has committed to cutting water subsidies, reducing beef consumption (less water for feedlot), implementing efficient irrigation technologies and crop shifting.  
More public awareness on water conservation is needed. Currently, there is an “Every drop counts” campaign which even boasts a mascot named ‘Thoti’, which means drop in Setswana. Despite these efforts, water provision is still taken for granted by many and not even the scarce rainfall infiltrates a shudder of worry or fear.
Recent water shortages in the southern areas of the country, though attributed to the emergency maintenance on the Letsibogo dam pipeline as part of the Northern Carrier scheme to transport water to supply Gaborone and surrounding areas, should paint an accurate picture of the gloominess of the water situation in the country.
In this period of no rainfall, we are experiencing low water pressures and on the verge of a great drought. Food prices have increased, so have fuel and energy costs. Add to that the worrying water situation and you get a bleak package. It is the prerogative of governments and individual members of society, to make a difference where they can, to preserve water resources.
