Much of the developed world has enjoyed public water
infrastructure over a century by now. Several generations of descendants have
become so used to the facility of running water that the casual abuse of this
precious liquid is considered normal by the majority of many countries. Local
waterworks are aging, pipes corroding, from the aquifers to the sewerage, pumps
are failing sporadically; it is time to pay attention to the stuff that slips
through our fingers.
How many times a day do you consciously think of this
abundant commodity and dismiss conservation advice? No time to stop the tap
when brushing teeth? No patience to turn off the shower-head between soaping?
How easy it is to be rushed into mindless gestures when a stressful lifestyle
is knocking at the front door?
Preppers are people who seem to be aware of eventual
conditions upon Planet Earth once the billions of inhabitants have neglected or
abused its resources. We are advised to save water, to put water in clean, safe
receptacles in case of public utilities failure due to disastrous weather
events. The media are bombarded with fear tactics about the demise of polluted
bodies of water. And yet, few are heeding the warnings. After a steady diet of
“what ifs” we become inoculated against specific anxiety. We shrug and chug our
worries between the kitchen sink and the bathtub. From home to workplace water
flows easy.
The privatization of water is often necessary, because most
consumers would not have the financial clout to dig a well and obtain pure H2O.
Pipes, pumps, and plumbing are costly, corporations with legal and economic
know-how can provide all aspects of bacterial and chemical safety, storage and
pressure on a large scale. Water is not just that easy –come - easy - pshtt!
Stuff for public use, it must first undergo a plethora of tests and twists,
from a mayor’s desk to Councilmen’s chambers, to scientists and experts, to
ditch diggers and well drillers; salaries are on the line. All of a sudden, I
feel tired sorting through the tangible emergence of that earthly liquid.
I grew up where water was not readily available but rain was
plentiful, in the city, we had a cold water flat. Comfort came the hard way in
the countryside; eventually a well was dug, a hand pump was installed, a few years
later, a tank was welded above it, then pipes were thrust through the two foot thick
stone wall to the kitchen, and again to a water closet. Experiencing such a
slow progress in the country prepared me for another slow ordeal in the western
desert. Water was not expensive yet; it simply was not easily reached. We
carried heavy plastic bottles till they were hot and we were exhausted.
When the news are replete with hardships inflicted on so
many migrant populations, I immediately imagine how scarce potable water must
be wherever they walk or live. From tap to toilet, the wait must be long and
unsanitary, on whatever continent people live there are too many needs that are
not met—and—water is the primary need, besides human connection. Looking for
affordable solutions and humanitarian involvement empowers the reader and benefits
society at large. Type ‘water’ in the search bar, see?
