2003 INTERNATIONAL
YEAR OF FRESH WATER
22 March - World Water Day
World Water Day
What is the big day of 22 March ? This is World Water Day fixed
by an assembly of United Nations in 1993. It is a reminder for
the nations to educate the public about the need to protect,
develop and manage water resources on earth. Furthermore, the
Year of 2003 is "International Year of Fresh Water".
The Globe Lacks Water ?
It seems to be a right to enjoy clean drinking water in Hong
Kong and Macao where water supply is abundant. Many people are
unaware that about 80% of the global population is threatened
by the shortage of water. Water is essential for activities
like washing clothes, drinking, fishery, agriculture, industry
and commercial business. The earth has stored 1.45 billion cubic
km water while most of it is sea water. Plain drinking water
accounts for only 0.5% of the storage.
Water Is Money
The Government of The Hong Kong SAR has been developing various
sources of water for the population and business use. Regardless
of the volume of rainfall, we have been buying over 0.7 billion
cubic km water from Guangdong Province per year to fullfil the
annual water demand of over 0.9 billion cubic km in Hong Kong.
This is because we cannot deny the long term contract signed
by the Government and Guangdong Province on buying water.
What If ..... The rain Doesn't Come ?
"Turn off the tap on lower floors!" This was usually
shouted from people on upper floors of old buildings when water
rationing was on. During the severe drought in 1963, the supply
of water maintained only 4 hours in every 4 days. The Government
had tried to manufacture artificial rain but failed. Afterwards
she built desalting plant which was closed in 1982 in the face
of high operating costs.
Saving Water In An Old Way
How did people save water during water rationing? We learnt
of the following from the website of Water Supplies Department:
* They took bath once in 2 days, shampoo once in 2 weeks.
* Wore no light-coloured and easily-stained clothes to avoid
consuming too much water.
* Ate apples instead of brushing teeth.
* Physical education classes were suspended so that the students
would not sweat too much for a shower.
Time To Speak Up
Man can live without food for 7 days, but never without water
for 3 days. Some people who never care to turn off the tap in
public toilets. It is an utterly selfish behaviour. Someone
has said that a water bill of more than a hundred dollars is
nothing at all. They should have forgotten the suffering of
the about 80% of people in the world.
You Can Do It Too
You, the lucky one, can start doing this from today. Give care
to those lacks in water and before you use water:
1. make sure that no water will be wasted;
2. fix the dripping tap;
3. recycle plain water, e.g. wash your hands or was vegetables,
then clean the floor, water the flower or flush the toilet;
4. collect a load of clothes / dishes for washing altogether.
What Is The Emphasis of Rotary International
In 1995, it was resolved by Rotary International that the Board
of Directors of RI, recognising the vital importance of safe
water, encourage all districts and clubs to support efforts
which help people to provide themselves with safe water reasonably
close to their homes using simple sustainable technology.
New Year Wish
At the beginning of the International Year of Fresh Water 2003,
it will be the wish of all Rotarians to join together in helping
the 80% of the global population not to be threatened by the
shortage of water again.
This is the way to "Sow The Seeds Of Love".
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