Water consumption the world over is growing - it is likely to grow by five times between 1940 and 2000. This, coupled with the pollution of existing water resources is causing water scarcity in more and more parts of the planet. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the number of water scarce countries is likely to shhot up from seven in 1955 to about 35 by 2025. This means that less than 1000 cubic metres of water will be available per person per annum. One of the most important causes of growing water shortage is tremendous wastage that pervades almost all areas of water consumption. For instance, average lossess in irrigation projects suggest that as little as 45 per cent of the water harvested for irrigation may actually be reaching the crop.