Water: A Finite Fluid

“When the well is dry we know the worth of water.” Benjamin Franklin’s poignant statement captures the essence of our population’s indifference towards water conservation. The irony is that of all the water on earth, less than one percent of it is usable by humans. Water is a vital resource for recreation, the economy, hygiene and life itself. Irrigation, hydroelectricity, and fire fighting are all made possible by the presence of water. For a substance that plays a role in every aspect of nature, it only makes sense that we value it and manage it with utmost care.
Currently, over 71 counties out of the 100 in our state are experiencing “Extreme” and “Exceptional” drought intensities. While we cannot do anything to avoid these natural disasters, we can definitely offset their effects by incorporating an outlook towards water conservation into our daily lifestyle.
Living in a land of abundance, it is sometimes easy to forget the value of prudence. Growing up in a culture where all it takes to quench one’s thirst is the turn of a faucet tap, the idea of “running out” of water seems ludicrous. Impressing upon North Carolinians the exigency for sensible action in response to the diminished water supply is pivotal in reversing the present ebb and flow of our water supply and demand. In response to the state’s projected population growth, synonymous with the increasing demand for water, Richard Rogers, the executive director of the N.C Clean Water Management Trust Fund was quoted as saying, “we’re headed for a train wreck, and it’s going to be an incredible impact on the economy, the quality of life and everything.” Drought experts, the Governor, and Mayors across the state are on board with the pressing need for the overdue drought mitigation efforts.
As proactive citizens of our community, it is important to urge and encourage one another to take individual action within our homes as well as the leadership in our schools and neighborhoods to head up larger movements for water conservation efforts. This blog is a place for individuals to share their own efforts and ideas about water conservation.