AUGUST 2010 ISSUE

During the last 2 months we have been looking at the importance, make-up and life-span of our water resources. We have emphasized the imminent danger of us losing our existing water reserves (for human consumption) sooner than we think. You will no doubt now ask the question of how that implicates ME. I am not a farmer, a mine or the municipality. Are those not the culprits responsible for pollution and theft of our scarce water resources? So, where do I fit in? AWARENESS, we cannot emphasize enough that it is our duty to also make sure our children; the next generation; is made fully aware of this vital resource:

2010 WATER FACTS.

Some salient facts of water affairs in our country:

R 1.4-billion – The monies owed by municipalities to our Water Boards in May of this year.

38 – The number out of 787 of water treatment plants that obtained Blue Drop Status for 2010. 94% of the country’s water treatment plants were assessed.

21 – The number of towns in SA where ratepayers have declared disputes with their municipalities over non-delivery of basic services.

24 - Other towns are with holding their rates and taxes and paying into a trust account instead.

672 - million – The number of people who lack access to improved drinking water sources according to a report by the World Health Organization.

Service delivery includes such essential health services as; safe drinking water, sewerage reticulation, waste removal and electricity supply. A truly sad state of affairs!

SOME HEALTH REASONS TO DINK PURIFIED WATER!

• It reduces your risk of a heart attack, suffering headaches and irritability.
• It can prevent kidney stones and reduce your chances of bladder infections, kidney and urinary tract infections.
• Water makes up a large part of the fluid that lubricates and cushions your joints and muscles.
• It helps constipation by adding fluid to the colon and bulk to stools.
• Perspiration is your body’s natural air-conditioning mechanism. To sweat you need plenty of water.
• Water helps you get better when you are ill by helping to control a fever, by replacing lost fluids and thinning out mucus.
• Drinking water moisturizes your skin from the inside out and helps your skin maintain its elasticity and suppleness.
• Water will keep your body systems, including metabolism and digestion, working properly and give you the energy ( and hydration ) necessary for exercise.
• By helping to flush out toxins, appropriate water intake lessens the burden on your kidneys and liver.

Next month. --- WATER – The lifeblood of the human body.