OBLIQUE ANGLE : Save water, save planet and life

Water—that colourless, transparent, odourless, liquid which forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain and is the basis of the fluids of living organisms—has always fascinated man throughout history of his existence.

Thales of Miletus—one of the ancient Greek philosophers—was of the opinion that planet Earth floated on water. Of course, so far, humanity has dug up a lot of knowledge about this precious liquid.

Experts say it is an absolute essential of human life, and every form of life that we know of requires it to exist.

Tomorrow is Water Monitoring Day. Literature has it that it was established to encourage and educate people on how to monitor the components of the water in their local area. Why? It is because water pollution is a serious problem, and learning how to identify, take care of, and prevent it is more important with every passing year.

This day is a reminder to us to check the quality of water we consume. Is it safe? Does it contain the right ingredients that enhance your wellbeing?

And, as we do so, we cannot stop help but marvel at this liquid full of controversies.

It is powerful, gentle and refreshing. In recent weeks it has reminded us just how powerful and destructive it can be. Just recall hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the floods that hit Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Indian towns and villages. Human and property loss and even the looting during and immediately before the hurricanes all were a terrible reminder of how vulnerable human life is. On the positive side, think of the power of water. It is used for generating electricity, it is a key resource for industrial production, and most importantly, no life would be possible in its absence. It powers life, so to say.

The challenges include drying up of sources and pollution. Population growth, increased rates of desertification and increased economic activities are partly to blame for dwindling amounts of water.

We should be concerned because if the water we consume is of poor quality, then our wellbeing is at risk. If amounts of water go down, then our economic life will come to a dead end, that too will be our end. And, food production will be jeopardised.

So, we have every reason to protect water sources and find new ones. We must ensure that water remains unpolluted.

Advice by former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon comes in handy: “Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth... these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all”.

Is the water you consume safe? You must monitor issues with the water authorities in your area.

Tundu Lissu, praying for you brother.

Deo Simba is a senior sub-editor with The Citizen