Francy that: We can't take water for granted

Cool, clear, water. Nothing compares with that most basic of human needs, the substance that comprises 55-60 percent of our bodies, the liquid that flows freely from our taps, flushes our toilets and cleanses our bodies. Water is the life-giving elixir we so easily take for granted, until it is gone.

The July 27, 2021, issue of Time magazine carried an article by José Andrés, a world-famous chef. He said, “As the climate crisis worsens, we need to address protecting and preserving our water resources with the same urgency as we have put into creating vaccines. We need to act like our lives are hanging in the balance — because they are.”

We live in a region where water is abundant. Minnesota, the Land of 10,00 Lakes. However, we experienced a few years of below average precipitation and higher than normal summer temperatures. Last year was the worst. Our trees suffered and ponds evaporated. Lac LaBelle in Twin Lakes Township shrank far back from its usual shoreline. More abundant snow and rain came thus far this year, but our water is something we should never take for granted.

Andrés cites a report prepared by the intelligence community under the Department of Defense in 2012. The group assessed global water security and found that many countries, including our own, would not be able to keep up with demand by the year 2040 if we do not learn to manage our resources more effectively.

As the summer of 2022 unfolds, we can see that we are in trouble. The heat and drought conditions in the western third of the U.S. are spreading to the Midwest and South.

According to The Scientific American (2/15/22), the southwestern portion of the U.S. now suffers from what is classified as a “megadrought,” the worst in 1,200 years. Researchers note that there is a possibility some of the western states may not recover in the near future, if ever, because climate change is driving the weather patterns. Some cities in California are exploring recycling wastewater to use as drinking water. (It’s done regularly on the Space Station).

In 2014, I traveled to Tanzania, East Africa. It was a trip that opened my eyes to the gift of fresh water that we have always enjoyed. In the rural areas and villages there are no wells. River water contains parasites. We drank bottled water. The experience has stayed with me, and often when I draw a glass of water to drink, or leave the tap running unnecessarily, I am reminded to be more considerate of such a valuable resource.

Much can be done to preserve our clean water. We can recognize times where we waste water and pay attention to environmental challenges that pose threats to lakes, streams and groundwater. Our fresh water is our gold mine holding the lives of future generations in its grasp.

Perhaps Andrés sums it up best. “We need to stop damaging the resources we have, conserve what is left and find ways to live differently,” he said. “Most importantly, we need to invest in one another — in communities that care for each other before disaster strikes, not just after the storm or the fire.”

We have the caring communities in Carlton County and the resources. Let’s work together to preserve it all.

Pine Knot News freelance writer Francy Chammings is a retired English teacher and clinical psychologist who loves living in Carlton County.