Water. Older, wiser and larger than life

Jan 8 / Aldert Brink
Blog Series: The 5 R's of Water Responsibility

The RESPONSIBILITY of water responsibility

Water is so much bigger than me. Water was here long before me and will remain long after I’ve gone. It is larger than any individual. Water is larger than life. Nothing on this planet exists without the existence of water. Water cannot belong to any person, landowner, or government. Its use can and should be regulated, but ownership is not possible. Water belongs to Mother Earth. That is why we can only be water stewards. The definition of stewardship is to take care of something not belonging to you (as if you’re the owner).
Can an individual person make a difference? Yes, by doing the right thing and doing things the right way. Do not assume that other people will do what needs to be done. Do not wait for other people or the government to start or drive water awareness. Awareness starts with individuals that live mindful of water in a way that creates collective consciousness. The only person you can change is you. Remind others to be responsible water stewards by taking action, leading by example and keep talking about water.

Water responsibility include:

  •  Remind: Remember to be a water steward
  •  Reduce: Only use the water you need
  •  Reuse water where possible
  •  Recycle as part of the bigger water cycle
  •  Recharge groundwater, know your aquifer, do not over-extract groundwater
Consider the lyrics in the all time favourite song, Circle of life from the “The Lion King” movie soundtrack:
From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to be seen than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
Some say eat or be eaten
Some say live and let live
But all are agreed as they join the stampede
You should never take more than you give.
- Tim Rice, Elton John
As water stewards, let’s have the agreement that when we are not able to give more than we take, at least don’t take more than you need.
More on the 5 R's in our blog series The 5 R's of Water Responsibility as we dive a little deeper into each of these. Remind, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Recharge.
1. The REMIND of Water Responsibility.
2. The REDUCE of Water Responsibility.
3. The REUSE of Water Responsibility.
4. The RECYCLE of Water Responsibility.
5. The RECHARGE of Water Responsibility.
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