Water deserves respect.
Water plays an important role in our daily life and the world economy. All of us are aware of Water’s vital importance in our existence. Yet, many assume water’s availability and its availability in abundance. That day reminded me that water is precious. Water deserves its due respect, got refreshed within me, due to a recent event that I describe in this post.
Childhood memories of water
Anyone living in Mumbai, India up until mid- or late- 90s knows the importance of water. During my childhood, water used to flow through taps for a few hours. Some months were really bad where water would be available for an hour or so. My mother would ask us to fill available utensils, buckets, any reasonably hollow item, etc. so all of us less experience the pains of water scarcity. All basic activities of human living like cooking food, taking bath, etc. would be completed during times when water was flowing. Oftentimes, the water would be unclean and it was common practice for us to put alum into the water.
With time, India and Mumbai evolved. Water was generally available. Yet, I would remain ‘cautiously optimistic‘ and fill up maybe a bucket or two. To date, when I am in Mumbai you will find me following this practice. ‘Just in case’ is the attitude more than water’s availability or otherwise.
The present day event about water
These days, I stay at a star rated hotel apartment in the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Last week, the water pipes of the hotel needed maintenance. Because of #covid, the maintenance was planned during the daytime. I received a notice accordingly. Being a long-term resident of this hotel apartment, I also got a call from the management that they will provide me water on-demand in buckets for any of my needs.
On the D-day, I woke up earlier. I completed my morning rituals including taking my bath and filled up all the available utensils that the hotel had provided me. I use bottled water for drinking. From the time I received the notice, I did not dispose of the empty water bottles. On the D-day, I filled up these empty bottles with water along with the utensils. And, I felt ready for the eventual (perceived) water scarcity of that day.
That day reminded me that Water is Precious.