Day 5: Water

Water is one item that here in the United States we use so casually and thoughtlessly, because all we have to do is turn on the faucet and out it flows.  But that is not a reality in many parts of the world.  It is hard for me to fathom walking 10 or more miles a day to retrieve a few gallons of water.   Not only that, but also having to repeat that trek every day.  And often the water is contaminated.  But water is a necessity for life, and so despite the diseases it might transmit, it is drank in an attempt to quench thirst.
  

Today is Change.org's Blog Action Day 2010, inviting people to think about water, and it's impact on the world.  In the last year or so, this has been on my mind.  A local church was having a water campaign, and it got me thinking about how we use water.  Long showers, toilets flushing with each use, leaving water running while I do the dishes, watering the lawn to keep it green during the summer.  John and I have made a conscious effort in this last year to reduce our consumption, but we still have a long way to go.  


But the counterpoint of over-consuming such a precious resource is not having access to clean water.  This last month, John joined the Charity:Water campaign and "donated" his September birthday to help build a well in Africa.  We were so excited to raise $1000 to go towards the $5000 needed to build a well.  This will give 50 people clean water for 20 years!  A small drop in the bucket compared to what is truly needed, but helpful none the less.  


To join the mission for bring clean water to those in need, visit these sites:
charitywater.org
water.org
change.org
www.bloodwatermission.com