EL NIÑO 2026
Effects & What Every Family Can Do to Save Water
Every Drop Counts – Save Water Today, Secure Tomorrow.
Understanding El Niño
- El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon in which the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual.
- It usually occurs every 2 to 7 years and can last for several months, influencing weather patterns across many parts of the world.
- Although El Niño develops thousands of kilometres away from India, it can affect the strength and timing of the southwest monsoon, which supplies most of India's annual rainfall.
- El Niño does not mean that rainfall will stop completely.It may increase the likelihood of delayed rainfall, uneven rain distribution, longer dry spells, higher temperatures, and greater pressure on water resources.
Possible Effects on Maharashtra
- The southwest monsoon may arrive later than usual or bring rainfall that is unevenly distributed across different regions of Maharashtra.
- Some areas may experience longer dry spells between rainy periods, affecting agriculture, gardens, and water availability.
- Higher daytime temperatures and heat waves may increase the demand for drinking water and electricity.
- Reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and groundwater levels may receive less recharge if rainfall is below normal or poorly distributed.
- Farmers may face challenges in crop planning, irrigation, and maintaining soil moisture due to uncertain rainfall patterns.
- Communities may need to use available water more carefully to ensure sufficient supplies for drinking, household needs.
Daily Water Saving Routine for Every Family
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1. Bathroom
- Use a bucket instead of a long shower.
- Turn off the tap while brushing or shaving.
- Repair leaking taps immediately.
- Use only the required amount of water.
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2. Kitchen
- Wash vegetables and fruits in a bowl.
- Wash utensils in two stages: scrub and rinse.
- Keep drinking water in bottles instead of running the tap.
- Reuse suitable water for cleaning or plants.
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3. Laundry
- Run the washing machine only with a full load.
- Select the correct water level or eco mode.
- Avoid washing a few clothes separately.
- Reuse final rinse water for outdoor cleaning where suitable.
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4. Toilet
- Use dual flush where available.
- Check flush tanks regularly for leaks.
- Do not use toilets as dustbins.
- Repair leaking flush valves immediately.
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5. Cleaning
- Sweep before mopping.
- Use a bucket instead of a running hose.
- Avoid unnecessary washing of verandahs and driveways.
- Reuse water wherever safe and suitable.
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6. Garden & Plants
- Water plants before 8 AM or after sunset.
- Apply mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.
- Use watering cans or drip irrigation.
- Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day.
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7. Water Storage
- Prevent overhead tank overflow.
- Switch off the pump immediately after filling.
- Check storage tanks and valves regularly.
- Store drinking water safely in clean containers.
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8. Rainwater Harvesting
- Clean rooftop gutters before the monsoon.
- Collect rainwater in tanks where possible.
- Support recharge pits or recharge systems.
- Use harvested water for gardening and cleaning.
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9. Fix Leaks
- Inspect taps and pipes every week.
- Repair leaking taps immediately.
- Check flush tanks for silent leaks.
- Monitor overhead tank float valves.
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10. Vehicle Washing
- Wash vehicles using a bucket and cloth.
- Avoid using running hoses.
- Use microfiber cloths to reduce water need.
- Wash vehicles only when necessary.
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11. Caring for Animals
- Keep clean drinking water for pets.
- Place water bowls for birds in hot weather.
- Change water regularly to maintain hygiene.
- Avoid wastage while cleaning bowls.
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12. Electricity & Water
- Switch off the pump after filling the tank.
- Prevent overhead tank overflow.
- Maintain pumps and plumbing regularly.
- Remember: saving water also saves electricity.
Our Family Water Pledge
- We will close taps properly.
- We will report leaks immediately.
- We will never waste drinking water.
- We will reuse water whenever possible.
- We will teach our children to save every drop.
✅ Daily Water Saving Checklist
- ☐ Turn off taps while brushing your teeth.
- ☐ Use a bucket instead of a long shower.
- ☐ Run the washing machine only with a full load.
- ☐ Check for leaking taps and pipes.
- ☐ Water plants early morning or after sunset.
- ☐ Switch off the pump before the tank overflows.
- ☐ Reuse suitable water wherever possible.
- ☐ Teach children to save every drop of water.
This article is intended for educational and awareness purposes. Families are encouraged to follow updates from IMD and local authorities.
Very informative
I think rain Water harvesting and Greenery means Plantation of Trees also important for Raining also mentioned. So, it will be informative to our childrens.