Accelerating Change

“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” — W. H. Auden
All plants and animals need water to survive. Water is used for various life-sustaining functions, from removing waste from the body to transporting nutrients. Humans rely on water for many things beyond biological functions – transportation of goods, manufacturing, agriculture, recreation, and much more.

Be the change you want to see in the world 
World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22 to raise awareness of freshwater issues and to encourage action to protect the world’s water resources. This year, the focus of Water Day is on accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis given that globally, we are far behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals specifically related to water – Clean Water and Sanitation. The global campaign, called “Be the change”, encourages people to take action in their own lives to change the way they use, consume and manage water.

Managing water resources in Guyana
Guyana is one of four countries that host the Guiana Shield, one of the most pristine rainforest landscapes in the world. The Guiana Shield stores around 18% of the world’s tropical forest carbon and 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. Further, Guyana’s ocean area – more than half of Guyana’s terrestrial area – offers a new frontier for sustainable development through the expansion of the Ocean/Blue Economy (LCDS 2030). The Government of Guyana has recognised the importance of water management in the updated version of the Low Carbon Development Strategy, as a new incentive for a low-carbon economy. The LCDS aims to upgrade Guyana’s water and other sectors, including transportation and energy on a low-carbon, non-polluting trajectory.

Several state agencies are responsible for water resources management in the land of many waters. The EPA has an overarching role in the management of freshwater resources under the Environmental Protection Act Cap 20:05 and Water Quality Regulations 2000. These include:
* preventing or controlling pollution,

* establishing, monitoring, and enforcing environmental regulations

* promoting and encouraging a better understanding and appreciation of the natural environment, and

* ensuring that development activities that may have a negative impact on the environment are assessed.

What can you do to be the change?
Bathrooms:
* Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing your teeth.

* Turn off the water flow while soaping or shampooing.

* Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it -such as watering a plant or garden.

Kitchen and Laundry:
* Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.

* Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin. Use a vegetable brush.

* Do not use water to defrost frozen foods. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

* Use a dishpan for washing and rinsing dishes.

* Scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.

* Add food waste to your compost pile instead of throwing it out

* Use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.

Outside:
* Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing off.

* When using a hose, control the flow with an automatic shut-off nozzle.

* Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.

Equipment:
* Repair all leaks. A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. To detect leaks in the toilet, add food coloring to the tank water. If coloured water appears in the bowl, the toilet is leaking.

* Install ultra-low flow toilets, or place a plastic container filled with water or gravel in the tank of your conventional toilet. Be sure it does not interfere with the operation of the toilet’s flush mechanism.

* Install low-flow aerators and showerheads.

* Consider purchasing a high-efficiency washing machine that can save over 50% in water and energy use.

Sources
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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