WATER IS LIFE CONSERVE IT

WATER IS LIFE, CONSERVE IT

Note: This article was written in February, 2010 and is worth re-posting.  It is quite timely as we have recently  received information from WASCO and the Met Services regarding the impending water shortage as a result of draught conditions currently being experienced in Saint Lucia.

Over the past two week we have all had a lesson in what it means to conserve water. A popular topic of conversation is how to have a shower with a bucket of water. Those of us who have discovered that tanks we thought were filled are infarct dried have had a rude awakening. To top this off even if you were able to place an order for a 3,000 gallon delivery that too was not available following the shut down by WASCO.

  The other interesting observation is, if you had the opportunity to follow one of these water trucks up North you would be amazed to see how much of the 3,000 gallons actually gets to the intended destination, as the water is spilled all along the way. Can something be done to prevent this? I would hope so, obviously the driver is not aware of how much water is being lost and wasted along the route. And the person who has paid for the water has no way of knowing that they have not received the number of gallons they have paid for.

Well for my part I want to share some simple but effective water conservation tips with you.
Please ensure that there is a container near the sink where you can keep water to wash your face and brush your teeth. Having the tap run whilst you are undertaking either of these activities can amount to a massive waste of a priceless commodity which is in short supply.

Another area is, when testing for hot water we allow the tap to run until the water gets to the right temperature; please get a bucket or bath tub to collect that water. That contain can also be kept in the shower or tub to collect the excess water that falls from the tap whilst we are having a shower. This water can be recycled and used to flush the toilet, water plants or mop the floor.

Do not use the dish washer. Washing dishes with a blocked sink is a sure way of conservation. We may even have to consider not using the washing machines for some time and reverting to hand washing of cloths. This experience is one that may well be preparing us for a situation that can worsen, let us not take things for granted and play our part in conserving this precious commodity. It is better that we take these conservation measures now and have water left in our tanks if things return to normal rather that have to suffer further hardship.

If this situation continues it can have far reaching implications for the production and cost of food. When food production is affected it has an impact of the cost of food. ( I recall after hurricane Allen having to pay $10.00 for a hand of green bananas I am not talking about a bunch and that was a long time ago). The well being of animals out in the fields, the health and well being of the nation.

Those of us who want to continue to water our plants should do so from recycled water or collect water from rivers and streams to do so. River water could also be used for washing vehicles, this has been a long standing practice at a number of popular rivers around the country. We cannot afford to use our limited supply for activities such as these. The statement,  "WATER IS LIFE CONSERVE IT", has taken on new meaning. Let us be sensitive to our current situation, blaming WASCO is not the answer we must all play our part or be prepared to suffer the consequences. Let us be our brothers’ keeper, share ideas and ensure that our households practice the water conservation tips that are being disseminated over the media. Let us be part of the solution, if not we are part of the problem. It calls for a total rethink of how we use water, lead by example and teach our children.

A stitch in time saves nine.

Original: February 15, 2010
Posted: April 2020.