The Leak is Us!

Setting restrictions on the use of water will become a reality as WASA announced the restrictions will be implemented by Wednesday midnight. In addition to the restrictions, WASA has a plan to spend $336 million to extend new water pipelines and fix more than 400 leaks in older pipes. These leaks caused wastes in the millions of gallons of clean water.

It is said that conflicts in the 21st century will change from fighting over energy sources to fighting over freshwater. This is a natural consequence of the great increase in human populations and the gradual worldwide depletion of freshwater sources. Rich countries today spend billions of dollars on expensive water desalination plants. Until we can find affordable technology, the water crisis will continue in the world, and our country is not exempt.

When I look at the report about 400 leaks I can only imagine the situation but the real leak I see every day is us! We have an endless supply of ways to waste water. Most of us don’t mind a dripping faucet or leaving a faucet open longer than what is absolutely necessary. We also take our time washing our cars or watering our yards. These activities are not just household tasks…we in fact find them entertaining and relaxing!

Developed countries spend lots of money and effort to educate their people about the efficient use of water and energy. This is what we need to plug the leaks in us! We can start by ourselves and family and neighbors and friends. True patriotism begins when we start to feel that waste and inefficiencies are not the problems of the government or authority…these are our resources and our problems first.

I think WASA’s plan is a step in the right direction. We, the people should also take steps to rationalize consumption. However, I also think the WASA statement was vague, it says “and those restrictions involve not using hose pipes, washing vehicles, watering lawns, etc.” …now what exactly is in that “etc”?

I wish the campaign would focus more on educating the people and creating awareness against wasteful use of water. Honestly, I don’t expect to see many of us change their behavior overnight, nor that many people take this matter seriously. Maybe this is because we often tend to challenge and oppose anything that comes from the government as some sort of negative resistance to authority. We regrettably forget that water belongs to all of us…we all use it and we all need it, and we all get affected when it’s wasted.

I remain hopeful that the people will take an active role in addressing this problem. Like I said in the beginning, the leak in us is bigger than the 400 leaks that WASA is trying to fix.