Water is a natural resource of great value.

1 When you look out to sea, it is hard to notice that

water is our most precious resource. But only 1% of the

earth’s water is suitable for consumption. And the amount of

4 freshwater we have today is roughly the same amount we had

a thousand years ago, and the same as the water we will have

in a thousand years’ time.

7 Human health is directly linked to the health of the

environment, by looking after the environment we are

looking after ourselves. Water enables us to enjoy a good

10 quality of life. We use water in our homes, for agriculture,

for industry and for recreation

Water is not just important for our needs, but also to

13 support the environment. All living things: humans, plants

and animals need water to survive.

Global water consumption has risen ten-fold since

16 1900. Many areas of the world are now reaching the limits of

their supply. UNESCO has predicted that by 2020 water

shortage will be a serious world problem.

19 It is obvious that we cannot increase demands for

water much more without detrimental effects to the

environment, society and the economy. It’s time to become

22 more water efficient! This means reassessing our relationship

with water and learning to use it more sparingly. On the most

basic level, it requires a behavioral change, and assigning a

25 value to water that truly reflects its worth.

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