(Foreword: Most people forget that I am not a professional writer. Words don’t come easy to me, so much more with topics to write about. So, sometimes I get inspired with little, simple things; with snippets from conversations, by movies, by the writings of others, and even by everyday happenings.
Of course, I get suggestions about what to write from family and friends. I very much appreciate that but, in the end, I still have to develop the idea, do research, and put everything in context. It’s not an easy life. But, sometimes, I do get excited by responses I get from readers and friends.
Ahem! Don’t you think that was a rather long intro? I just wanted to ease you into what most would think a rather dreary and boring subject matter which, surprisingly, I found profoundly interesting.)
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When Diding handed me a glass of cold water this morning, I could not help but marvel about how beautiful, tranquil, and how clear the water looked. Did you ever think of where this clear liquid comes from? Of course, there is the faucet, or the watering station, or you buy it from the supermarket in 5lb plastic containers or from your sari-sari store in 8 or 16 oz. crushable plastic. Duh! Then, of course, there are the waterfalls, streams, rivers, and dams.
Water is so abundant today and could be found almost anywhere. One does not even think about it, but I would not outright say that there is no end to our water supply.
Just recently, when we had Typhoon Odette, water distribution was limited only to the afternoons and, even then, the quality of water that came out of faucets left much to be desired. In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, people lined up in the streets with placards asking for food, yes, but there was also a dominant clamor for water – water to drink. Think of how you would feel if you were in their shoes.
It is no wonder that water is considered life itself. Your doctor advises you to drink at least eight glasses of water every day, not only to rid your body of toxins, but also because, without it, your body becomes dehydrated and it becomes extremely difficult for your blood to flow to the brain and other vital organs.
Three days without water and you’re dead. Compare that to a few weeks without food, and you will still live so long as you have water. And get this (because I just found out myself) you can have water intoxication too, if you overdrink your water. This condition is very rare but it still happens, especially if you are an athlete or do strenuous physical training.
I cannot overemphasize the importance of water in our lives. Maybe, it won’t happen in our lifetime but, as sure as there are stars in the sky, water will eventually become scarce and disappear because of what we are doing to our environment.
As concerned individuals, what then can we do to conserve and prevent the early depletion of our precious water supply?
I will speak as myself and do the very basic of things, like:
– I won’t keep the water running while brushing my teeth;
– I will keep my showers brief (Can you finish bathing with just one pail of water?);
– I promise not to throw away half-empty water bottles;
– I will make sure that water used in washing dishes would be re-used in cleaning the house, flushing the toilet, watering plants, or cleaning the car;
– I will encourage people who have washing machines to use them because these machines use less water compared to washing clothes by hand;
– I will fix water leaks immediately.
These are simple acts that anyone can do, but done collectively, it will definitely make a significant impact on our environment, and specifically help conserve our dwindling water supply.
We have to be constantly vigilant and mindful of how we use our natural resources. Because I can assure you that I wouldn’t want to drink salt water or processed urine (eeew!) every day of my life. Nor do I wish for our governments to be mining space and other planets just to secure an infinite supply of water to sustain life on earth.
For now, I just want my water cold (with plenty of ice, please) served in a nice clear glass, or served hot, with a sachet of green, black, or lady grey tea. Niceee! – NWI
