Guest Opinions, Compiled by Christina Belasco
For many of us, a “Day Without Water on Earth” is unfathomable. But for many who live in drought stricken areas, a day without water is reality. This Earth Day, NWNL is highlighting aspects of water we take for granted in our daily lives. We challenge you to take the time to learn where your water comes from; to take steps to conserve it; and to protect it as a resource for everyone. With no water, there is no life. Even our very own bodies are about 70% water!
Here’s what NWNL friends say they’d miss on A Day Without Water.
Judith Shaw, NWNL Advisor: A day without water would bring home the fragility of our world. It would mean no gentle shower or fresh water from the tap. It would mean tragedy to communities where people travel miles to a shared source of water to bring home a gallon or two. Our rivers and streams would be dry, sacrificing all flora and fauna which thrive in that fine ecological niche. Here in Ohio, the Cuyahoga River would cease to exist, leaving Standing Rock as a memorial to what once was beautiful, generous and uplifting. Water is our life. It feeds the soul and nourishes our lives. Let us rise together to protect our resources forever.
Frontenac MN, Mississippi River Basin. Photo by Alison M. Jones.
John Ruskey, Lower Mississippi River Steward and “Rivergator:” I would miss the sparkling exuberance of water dancing in the middle of a pond on a windy day, the ripply laughter of a gurgling creek, the refreshing showers of misty rain, the thrilling wildness of a snowstorm, and the deep resounding soulfulness of the big muddy river in flood.
Old Moon, Ursa Major, Voyageur Canoe, Towboats on Lower Mississippi River. Watercolor by John Ruskey.
Jacob Mwanduka, Mau Forest Steward in Kenya’s Mara River Basin: Can you imagine a world without water? Even for a few minutes! In Kenya and Africa as a whole, we are water-deficient localities. This causes conflicts with no solution in sight. Water-harvesting at family levels should be encouraged and supported, especially to rural and urban under-privileged people. Over and above highlighting this plight, basic solutions must be undertaken as long-term answers are sought.
Aerial view of dry river beds in Namibia. Photo by Alison M. Jones.
Barbara Folger, NWNL Project Coordinator and Photographer: In a Day Without Water, I would miss the amazing dances of the Sandhill Cranes that roost in the Platte River during their migrations.
Sandhill Cranes in Platte River, NE, Mississippi River Basin. Photo by Barbara Folger
Christina Belasco, NWNL Project Manager: Every day we take for granted the ease with which we access clean water through infrastructure. In a day without water, we simply wouldn’t know what to do for our basic needs, we couldn’t survive.
American folk song:
What’cha gonna do when the well runs dry?
Gonna sit on the bank, watch the crawdads die.
Honey, oh sugar baby of mine.
Big Stream, The Ozarks, Mississippi River Basin. Photo by Alison M. Jones
Alison Jones, NWNL Executive Director and Photographer:
A Day Without Water would be one day removed
From A Day Without Earth – as we’ve known it.
There’s a reason that people have settled
Along the sea and rivers for 10,000 years.
Water sustains, cleanses, irrigates and transports us.
Water is a universal gift to each of us.
As a “country girl on a day without water, I’d miss:
Birds and butterflies at puddles and birdbaths;
The stream’s gurgle that lulls me to sleep at night;
Floating, splashing, and wetting my lips to whistle;
That cool drink of water just an arm’s reach from me now;
The feel of dew, fog, steam, rain and snow on my face.
As a photographer on a day without water, I’d miss:
Seeking the ripples, currents and eddies of
Waterfalls, ponds, puddles and springs,
Rivers, riverbanks, rivulets and rills,
Brooks, bayous, creeks, and cricks,
Lakes, lagoons, lochs and playas;
Sloshing thru wetlands in rubber boots;
Knowing a line of willows and reeds indicates a stream.
As a researcher on a day without water, I would worry:
Since my brain is75% water, could I still think?
Since my lungs are 90% water, could I still breathe?
Since water lubricates my joints, could I still move?
Since industry and agriculture need water: No Water No Economy!
Since fish and crops need water: No Water No Food!
On a Day without Water, I’d realize water connects us all,
No matter what our differences are.
So, on this Earth Day, we invite all to join the NWNL Team
In sharing the importance of protecting our water resources.
Talk with family, friends, and neighbors about water.
Join our pledge to help ensure Clean Water – Every Day – For All!
EarthDay’17 isn’t a Day Without Water. It’s a Day for Teamwork!
Trout Lake and Mt. Adams, WA. Columbia River Basin. Photo by Alison M. Jones
NO WATER NO LIFE BLOG 