Sylvia Earle famously chanted "No Water. No Life. No Blue. No Green", a quote we wholeheartedly agree with as it shows the crucial role water plays in our lives and our world.
More than every other valuable substance, water is an essential resource that should be valued and sustained. The saying "no water, no life", is as literal as it sounds.
However, as useful as water is, people relegate its value through how it is been used in wasteful manners. This has sprung up the need to create awareness against water misuse and enlightening on the need to value and sustain water, to guide against expenses nemesis such as deterioration, destruction and even death.
"Water is our most precious resource, but we waste it just as we waste other resources"
– David Suzuki
Water seems so widely abundant that we feel it could never be depleted, and yet it can be– and it will be, if we do not take a responsible approach and move towards sustainable water usage and practices.
This is the point where we assume you will ask what Water Sustainability is.
What is Water Sustainability?
Water Sustainability refers to the responsible management and use of water resources to ensure their availability for future generations. In other words, it is the intentional, holistic practice of responsible usage of water for both present and future advantages.
Water Sustainability involves balancing the needs of people, the environment and the economy, making sure water resources are used efficiently and effectively.
Thus to achieve water sustainability, the entire water cycle, from the sources of water to the end uses, including measures to reduce water consumption and waste, improve water quality, and protect ecosystems must be considered.
Before we get too deep, let us consider why Water sustainability is so important.
Why is Water Sustainability important?
"The water we take for granted may not be here for future generations if we continue with current levels of consumption."
— Kofi Annan
There are many reasons why we need Water Sustainability, but here a few you absolutely need to consider:
■ Access to clean and safe water
Without sustainable practices, water sources can become depleted or contaminated, thereby denying people access to safe drinking water. Hence, water sustainability is essential for ensuring that everyone has access to clean and safe water.
■ Environmental protection
Water sustainability helps to protect the environment by ensuring that water resources are managed responsibly. This includes reducing pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity.
■ Economic benefits
Economically, water sustainability is of great importance, it reduces the cost of water treatment, increases agricultural productivity, and supports tourism and recreation activities that rely on clean water.
■ Climate change mitigation
Water sustainability also plays a role in mitigating the effects of climate change. Sustainable water practices help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and improve water storage and management during droughts and floods.
Another way to see this is to simply think of everything we do with water, and imagine what it would be like if there was no water.
Ultimately, we realise that water sustainability is essential for ensuring both present and future generations' access to clean and safe water, protecting the environment, and supporting economic and social development.
This month, join us as we explore some topical issues on Water Sustainability, together.
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