By Camille Aubin
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On Earth, water is one of the most important substances. It is a vital element for all plants and animals, including us. This liquid is so important that there would be no life on our planet if there were either too little or no water.
World Water Day (WWD), observed on March 22 every year since 1993, emphasizes the necessity of freshwater. You may ask yourself, why? Well, we are lucky in the Columbia Valley and Canada in general. We lay our eyes on this precious liquid almost every day. It is everywhere around us; the wetland, the Columbia River and, of course, the colossal lake Windermere. Because we see water dominating our landscape, it is easy to forget how fortunate we are to have easy access to this resource. We’re not amazed when turning on a tap. However, it’s incredible for billions of people living on Earth to see the precious liquid flowing freely through a tap.
WWD celebrates water because it is the source of life and a reminder of that is good for everyone. This day also raises awareness about the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water.
The importance of safe drinking water and sanitation had become increasingly well understood as a fundamental human right, with efforts to control COVID-19 outbreak through hygiene routines, like handwashing, running into trouble in places such where water is a scarecly available and preciously rationaed resource. It was about time more people in developed countries began to realize that access to water is anything but universal, and that far too many people in developing countries lack basic handwashing facilities with soap and water at home.
Considering a every-growing global population, an increasingly intensive agricultural sector, and ever more alaraming scientific evidence related to climate change, and the water we currently possess (collectively, as a planet) is under severe threat. Contrary to what it may seem at first glance, drinking water is not an endless resource. One day, we may even have to share this abundant resource found on Canadian territory.
If we change our perception of and relationship with water, it could significantly impact the choices we make every time we use it, and thereby do better at protecting it.
There are simple actions that we can do to protect and conserve our precious groundwater; reduce the use of chemicals and dispose of them properly, limit the amount of fertilizer used on plants, take short showers (you can do it!), shut the water off while brushing your teeth (simple as that), and run the dishes or laundry machine only when it’s full!
With such simple actions, we can help protect this resource. We owe it to ourselves to keep our Mother Earth healthy. We have the power to change our habits so that the planet can still welcome many more generations of humans.
