Mercy Global Concern - 2003

International Freshwater Day: October 17th, 2003

"One drop of water becomes a wave and a wave fills the ocean."
Satish Kumer

In preparation for International Freshwater Day the UNDP held a meeting to help all of us focus on the issue.

• What would it be like if you did not have water for one, two or three days?
• One in every six people does not have access to clean water.

Some Facts:

1. Fresh water is a luxury for many. Lack of clean water is the major cause of 80% of all illness and death in developing countries.
2. Water related diseases (diarrhea, dysentery, malaria) kills one child every 8 seconds.
3. Since 1950 global use of water has more than tripled.
4. Up to 50% of urban water is wasted through leaks and evaporation.
5. Nestle bottles under 60+ brand names including Poland Spring.
6. There is a global crisis brought about by the commercialization of local water supplies

Some Actions:

BE CARING, SPARING AND SHARING

• Fix leaky taps. (One leaky tap wastes well over 4L a day)
• Use low flow shower heads
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
• Take a shower instead of a bath
• Run dishwashers only when full
• Raise these issues with friends

Resources:

waterstewards.org
watercan.com

"Let all who are thirsty come; all who want it may have the water of life and have it for free." REV. 22:17

Deirdre Mullan rsm
Representing the Sisters of Mercy at the UN