“Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” Lines from the “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Coleridge still spring to our lips to this day, albeit under totally different scenarios. However, in either case, something remains terribly wrong with the notion. In the present day, it is a case of either our rivers drying up or raging with flood waters. This paradox could be a sign of an unhealthy environment.
There are a number of reasons for this sorry state. Deforestation, as propagated by irresponsible logging, is the primary killer as it denudes the mountains, accelerates erosion, hampers streams, and changes water flow in the lowlands. The effect of this chain of events you can see in the dry riverbeds during the summer and the flooding during the rainy season. Homes near waterways or on hillsides are at risk.
In addition, when garbage and other toxic substances are dumped in our water ways, the bloodstream, our life line gets really infected. This dirty water seeps into the soil and could contaminate not just our dams but even our agricultural lands. Homes that drill pumps for daily use may be endangered.
There are several places in mountainous areas that still have continuous flowing water right at their doorstep. However, uncontrolled development in such areas could soon take its toll. There is no regulation imposed on the number of buildings placed along the hills. The forests are being replaced with houses. What were once tranquil free-flowing streams are now trickles congested with garbage. They have been converted into a conveyor for waste disposal. It is such a sorry site when you see beautiful rock formations surrounded by water that is silted and full of trash. Yes, nature is generous, but so prone to our abuse. Not enough warning or scolding about landslides and flooding seem to make us do something about it.
Government policies are not enough. The people must be made aware. They must be educated as early as the cradle. The concept of caring for the environment it must sink in or else we are sunk.
If only:
If only government agencies can control the development by having policies in place on where and how one should build.
If only we can have effective garbage collection systems and disposal that will force and encourage residents to stop throwing their garbage into our water ways.
If only the residents are conscientious enough and aware that doing otherwise is bad for our environment.
If only our water supply can be distributed properly, then people in Baguio
If we can start planting even more trees to replenish our forests.
If only squatting is not tolerated or even encouraged by the local officials.
If only both public and private developers would install as a standard sewerage treatment facilities, then our waterways would remain clean.
If only there is less greed.
If only there is more concern for the environment.
If only there is more concern for others.
In other parts of the world, potable water flows continuously 24/7 from spouts in every village plaza. How I wish we could have those here too. It is a sure sign of a healthy environment. Now that is sustainable!
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