The Beginning To End Thirst

The world’s surface is made up of 71% of water, which supports all life on Earth, but only 2.5% of this water is freshwater.   Humans rely on it for consumption being that the human body is approximately 60% water.

Human life depends on this precious resource that is very scarce.  About one billion people in the world do not have access to freshwater, which is one of the largest necessities in life.  developed regions are due to tainted water.  This lack of clean water negatively impacts their health and ability to go t0 go school or work, and the unavailability of water affects their ability to grow crops.  The inhabitants of regions without a freshwater source cannot thrive like the developed world. They struggle to survive every day.

Water is needed for sanitation, sewage and agriculture.  Agriculture alone takes up about 80% of the freshwater in California.  In drought years, such as this one, water is a scarce commodity even in California.

On March 13, Sharing Our Humanity invited students, staff,  administrators, and family members to a dinner to raise awareness that water is a precious resource.   They asked for a small donation, and they are also selling T-shirts and sweatshirts to raise money to help people who do not have access to potable water.  All profits went to the Water Project Organization.

The Water Project digs wells in areas that have no freshwater source.  They also show the people how to use these wells and monitor them to make sure they benefit the community.  The communities use the well, in addition to drinking, to grow crops, reduce illness, and increase sanitation.

Along with the dinner, people who attended the Sharing our Humanity dinner heard and viewed a presentation by the guest speaker Professor Sarathy, an associate professor at Pitzer College in Claremont.  She discussed California Water Policy, the system of water rights, California water problems, and ideas for water conservation.  Those in attendance also heard about interesting changes in the Salton Sea.

Many conservation ideas were brought up.  Superintendent Dr. Mike Hendricks said one of his favored water conservation methods is the regulation of water usage on lawns. Other popular ideas were taking shorter showers, brushing teeth with the water off, and not running water when washing dishes.  Recycling through treatment plants, of course, is another source to reclaim water.

The awareness-raising event would have not been possible without the help of the advisor Mrs. Archer; the president of the club, Sam Chon; vice president, Megan Buckley; and the other members of the club.  Sam Chon said she would like to thank everyone who attended the dinner, including several district administrators; Dr. Sarathy for giving an incredible presentation; and the Sharing our Humanity participants.

Congratulations to the Chargers in the Sharing Our Humanity club for making a difference in many people’s lives.

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