DENR-7 calls for responsible use of water

CEBU, Philippines- As World Water Day was celebrated yesterday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources called for the responsible use of water especially with the onset of mild El Niño.

DENR 7 stressed the importance of conserving water to make sure that the public has sufficient water supply to cover domestic use, agriculture, aquaculture, and energy.

The agency stressed that everyone should be mindful on water consumption in bathing, tooth brushing, and hand washing, adding that recycled laundry water could be used for gardening, flushing the toilet, and washing a car and a floor.

Water can also be conserved by using a pail and dipper instead of the shower when bathing or a hose when washing vehicles and gardening during cooler times of the day; reducing the frequency of doing the laundry, as well as hanging clothes to dry instead of prolonging the washing machine’s spin cycle; and utilizing used water for other purposes such as dousing garden plants with water used in food preparation, and using soapy laundry water for vehicles.

Water conservation measures also include checking for plumbing leaks and reporting pipe leaks to the water concessionaires, DENR-7 added.

El Niño is an abnormal weather pattern caused by the warming of the Pacific Ocean, affecting global climate and causing unusual droughts and floods.  It occurs every two to seven years, with the Philippines experiencing it last between mid-2009 and mid-2010.

This year’s World Water Day focuses on the vital role of water in achieving sustainable development.

The theme “Water and Sustainable Development” seeks to emphasize the importance of water in relation to health, ecosystems, urbanization, industrial processes, energy, food, and equality.

The international observance of WWD is an initiative come up during the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro.

The United General Assembly designated March 22 of each year as the World Day for water by adopting a resolution. 

In Cebu, civil society and bike enthusiasts yesterday held a bike run for rivers and water systems in the province.

“Syagit Sa Sapa Bike and Walk” was organized by Movement for a Livable Cebu, together with bike enthusiasts and individuals concerned for the rivers and creeks in Cebu.  (FREEMAN)