Although we live in a naturally arid climate, generations of Californians have taken a reliable supply of water for granted. Numerous golf courses and expansive residential lawns are testament to this belief. But the past four years of drought are changing perceptions, and Gov. Jerry Brown’s recent edict to cut our water use by 25 percent has awakened many to the seriousness of the situation. Of course, people in many other countries experience much worse water problems than ours. Because of this, the United Nations observes World Water Day every year in March to bring awareness of the need for clean water in the world’s most impoverished countries. On March 22, a group of 33 children and adults held a fundraiser for the Christian charitable organization World Vision. Sponsored by the youth ministry of Gilroy Presbyterian Church, participants walked from the church on Miller Avenue through downtown Gilroy to In-n-Out Burger wearing special T-shirts and bibs with pictures of African children. According to Youth Director Josh Ferreira, the distance of about four miles is “typical of the journey residents of many African countries must travel to gather water in buckets to carry back to their homes. Much of this water is polluted or contains parasites that can blind or kill those who drink it.” Participants raised over $2,000 in pledges and other donations, money which will go to a village in the East African nation of Kenya. Residents of Bandaptai will benefit for at least 20 years from the clean water provided by this well. Since 1993, World Water Day has been celebrated on March 22. It is a day to make a difference for the members of the global population who suffer from water-related issues. This year’s theme explained how water links to all areas of life. Water is Health: 748 million people do not have access to an improved source of drinking water, and 2.5 billion have no sanitation facilities. Water is Nature: There is too much ecosystem degradation. Pollution from untreated waste and agriculture run-off make unhealthy water, especially in underdeveloped countries. Water is Industry: More water is used to manufacture a car than to fill a swimming pool. Water is Energy: Today over 80 percent of electrical generation is accomplished by thermal power plants where water is heated to create steam to drive generators; additional billions of gallons of water are needed to provide cooling. Water is Food: It takes nearly 4,000 gallons of water to produce two steaks. Globally, agriculture is the largest user of water, accounting for 70 percent of the total (approximately the same share here in California). Inefficient use of water for crop production depletes aquifers, reduces river flows, degrades wildlife habitats, and causes salinization of irrigated land areas. The United Nations has already chosen the following themes for the next three World Water Days: Water and Jobs—2016; Wastewater—2017; Nature-based Solutions—2018. To see a photo of the walkers who participated in the fundraiser, go to www.morganhilltimes.com. Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Email him at
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