Adopt a Watershed

Some 3.4 billion people are directly threatened by the quality of the water on our planet. Although the collating of water in dams and reservoirs may be an obvious choice to control the use of this precious resource, this is not only a costly solution for any government; it is also a solution that works only in the short run and at a huge cost to nature. Already China has shown what a terrible mistake it is to build dams without heeding the consequences to wildlife and local communities who depended on a sustainable way of life for thousands of years.

US researchers warn that developing countries should not follow this devastating route. Instead, they recommend investment in water management strategies. Many initiatives across the world have already yielded results, showing that a combination of infrastructure with environmentally friendly choices such as protection of wetlands, estuaries and flood plains works really well in improving water quality as a whole and safeguarding future supply.

Naturally there are powerful lobbyists from the engineering and construction sectors, who would rather see more billions of dollars being poured into the construction of canals, dams, pipelines and dams.

Ignoring completely that a huge proportion of the world’s population cannot afford these type of projects – usually reserved for corrupt dictators in developing countries abusing gigantic country loans for these prestige projects – and Western countries can no longer afford the type of development money they used to hand out in the 1970s and 1980s. Even in the richer Western world the building of dams and reservoirs is only benefitting a relatively small number of people and water quality as a whole is as much under threat as is the resource of water, after these dams and reservoirs were built.

Running out of Money

With the current economic crisis depleting government coffers even further, it is to be hoped that this new austerity will induce a more sensible and therefore environmentally sound approach to the water situation around the world. Improving water quality for developing countries as well as protecting our most valuable resource for the future of the planet is paramount.

It seems that improving our water quality will also include a rethink how we build our cities in the future. Using permeable pavements, incorporating green roofs and water metres as a matter of course, encouraging householders to recycle water and to catch rain water in cisterns are as much part of future water management as are treatment of sewage and prevention of oil exploration and mining disasters. We have run out money to deal with large scale clean-up operations at our coasts thanks to the recklessness and greed of others.

The lack of governmental funds must ultimately lead to smaller scale, sustainable projects. Strangely, the way in which charities help to introduce water management strategies in developing countries may give us a clue how we should all approach this issue. Small projects in local communities work – everyone can be held accountable and everyone is involved. In the Western world we are often so utterly removed from the way things are grown, produced, worked and maintained, we have completely lost touch with what matters.

The water quality of our rivers and oceans matters to such an extent that our very existence on this planet is threatened, if we cannot get a grip on our water pollution, usage and waste. Water quality matters to us all, everywhere.

It goes without saying that we can make a difference whenever we go swimming or fishing. There are so many people that do not care and throw everything that they think of in the water where they swim or fish. This is not only bad for the environment, but it can also cause health problems for us. Bacteria can develop and water pollution is really hard to clear. Once the water is contaminated it can take years till it will be pure again.

We can also maintain water quality in our environment while being at home. If we simply save water we are gaining quality points because there is less water that is used. Also, the sewage systems will not be used as much and this is also helping on the long run in terms of efficiency. Remember that water is a natural resource that can deplete in different areas. That is why it is a smart idea to try and use only as much as we need.

Contrary to what many believe, maintaining water quality in our environment is also linked with protecting the soil. This is because land contains water and that water will eventually be carried to plants and even rivers. The natural water cycle can be impacted negatively in any part. When soil pollution appears the plants in the affected area die because the water that is needed for growth is contaminated. In turn this will also cause some animals to be affected because they will not have a food source anymore. When plants and animals are affected we can also end up with food shortage.

The truth is that maintaining water quality is not difficult if we simply use common sense. For instance, if there are trash cans we should use them and not throw everything on the floor. Also, whenever we have dirty or contaminated water we should try to dump it in an area that shows a sewage system. We should never just dump it on the ground and then leave. The little things that we do will make a huge difference on the long run.

Keep in mind that the human body is made out of 60% water. This translates in around 10 gallons for an average adult. We need safe, clean water in order to survive. Whenever drinking polluted or impure water the body is our own filter. Pollution and gunk will be absorbed and this can lead to long term damage.  Also, remember that humans are also animals. Similar processes exist in other species. If polluted water damages our body, you can be sure that it has the same effect on the animals that you notice all around. The problem is that we can realize when water is polluted at times but wildlife will not and will get sick and die.

In the end we must also add that you need to be attentive with the tap water that you drink daily.  Some contaminants can end up unfiltered. This is why it is recommended that you also install an extra water filtering system in your home in order to make sure that the water quality is always high.

It is the duty of everybody to be ready to possess knowledge concerning how to maintain water quality in our environment.  When things like this are appropriately done, it helps a lot and this can make a positive difference.  Moreover, when considering the mining sector it will be recognized that the mining industries actually do have a greater part to play when talking about water pollution in our environment.  

These mining sectors also use some kind of dangerous chemicals to sort out their minerals and after its usage they are left to flow into river and streams.  It is actually at this point that, it now becomes very detrimental when one drinks the water.  But of course it is common to find most people and animals drinking from streams and so this basically implies that the animals and humans will definitely be in danger when exposed to these chemicals.  

As a matter of fact, living organisms in that water will definitely be exposed to the chemicals too.  And again when these living organisms especially fishes when consumed can also harm somebody.  It is therefore necessary that there is so much emphasis placed on the dangers of mining and also a strategy should be used in mining.  All these things will definitely aid in stopping the dangers of chemicals and its exposure to our drinking water and also other water present in the environment.

It is actually the best thing when human beings are able to maintain the waters around them from any sort of pollution whatsoever.  As a matter of fact, prevention is better than cure, and when prevention is exhibited very well, it helps a lot.  There should be some kind of law guiding these water bodies and that some of them should be in such a way that one can easily be sent to jail when any of the laws are violated.

This can really help in one way or the other.  Most people usually hate to be sent to court for any sort of trial whatsoever. Therefore it is necessary that there is some kind of awareness given to the general public. This way no one will be excused in any way when they are caught causing any sort of pollution to the environmental waters. Although there are usually some hardcore people who will always violate the laws provided no matter the situation, it is worthwhile to say that it will minimise the problem at least.

It will be good when people actually come to realize that man can never do anything without the presence of water and as such there should be appropriate treatment towards water.  Those who are concerned of protecting the water bodies should see to it that the proper work is done so that the fishes and the water itself will not be polluted in one way or the other.  Human beings are so vulnerable and also susceptible to diseases and can therefore easily fall as victims when they consume polluted water.