Our daughter returned home charged with energy and enthusiasm after attending the We Day event in Saskatoon. She was astounded at some of the alarming new facts learned about global water supplies.
Water is needed to sustain life. That is why it is searched for on other planets and coveted by those on our planet who don't have an abundance of it. There is barely a moment in our days where water isn't involved in it. In winter we experience all frozen states of this matter playing hockey, curling or trying to navigate on ice covered roads. In the summer we swim in it, boat on it, fish out of it and feed our gardens and lawns with it. And this spring, we will certainly see our fair share of it gushing down ditches and town streets as the spring thaw begins.
Water is something we take for granted. Not a moment's thought is given to turning on a tap for a cool glass of water, run a hot bath or rinse out the sink. Yet our parents could tell us tales of the days when water for household use was hand pumped from a well and carried into the house to be warmed for household uses. It was appreciated because of the labour it took to bring it into the home, so it was never used without due attention.
Students at We Day were shown the value and importance of water to dozens of countries in our world. Fresh water is essential for human life and well-being, as well as economic development and ecosystem health yet worldwide water resources are under pressure. So much, that in March 2011, the Global Institute for Water Security was launched at the University of Saskatchewan.
According to the UN World Water development, the beginning of the 21st century, the entire Earth is facing a serious water crisis. All signs are suggesting the situations are getting worse and will continue to do so, unless corrective action is taken. In truth, it is stated by the committee, the attitude and behaviour that people adopt are imperative to resolving this crisis.
Did you know that Saskatchewan contains seven per cent of Canada's fresh water and 1.5 per cent of the world's fresh water? Did you also know there have been discussions about selling this precious natural resource?
A 2004 CBC report states, "Water will be the oil of the 21st century, or liquid gold. With Canada being one of the water richest countries, we will be a major player in this resource richness. Talks have intensified during the past few years on whether Canada should sell its bountiful supply of water for profit, like other natural resources of gas, oil and timber. But Maude Barlow, chair of the Council of Canadians heeds a dire warning stating, 'There is a common assumption that the world's water supply is huge and infinite, with that assumption being false.' At some time in the near future, water bankruptcy will result, and according the UN study, it states by the year 2025, less than 12 years from now, two-thirds of the world will be water poor. The wars of the future are going to be fought over water, Barlow warns."
These are just some of the alarming statements that can be read or heard on any news source. It is not something we can take lightly or presume "won't happen to us." Because we have never lived where we've had to given a second thought to water, it is easy to revert to apathy.
But this spring as we curse over the amount of water flooding parts of our province, causing property damage or general annoyance, we must consider how truly and richly blessed we are with this natural resource. And in recognizing this blessing, we must do everything in our power to contribute to the preservations and common sense use of this precious resource. Think about this each time you turn on your tap, and consider how your life will be much different if this is no longer an option.
