|
|
|
Nor Any Drop to Drink |
|
 Ironically, our Earth is really the water planet. Just look at a satellite photo of the globe- blue everywhere. The oceans store nearly 97% of all our “liquid assets.” The white, frozen water of the polar caps and glaciers represents another 2%. That leaves only 1% for the bathing, cooking and drinking needs of all land creatures. It’s a finite resource, but nature’s water cycle keeps millions of billions of gallons in movement, through condensation, precipitation, absorption, runoff and evaporation. However, these natural processes vary substantially around the globe. For instance, the porous limestone bedrock of the Yucatan absorbs water rapidly. An extensive system of underground rivers links all parts of the peninsula, perhaps a single aquifer. This mass of water is easily contaminated by leeching chemicals and human waste. In addition, waste-generated nutrients reaching the sea cause algal blooms, which can kill the coral reefs. March 22 is UNESCO’s World Water Day. This year, the theme is Water and Culture. While attitudes toward water, its proper use and abuse, vary around the world, no society can survive without this precious liquid. As we struggle to understand sustainable development for the Riviera Maya, we cannot forget about watershed management. Find out what happens to your waste water and ask your hotel to improve its water usage. Lest Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s Ancient Mariner prove prophetic, “… Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink…” please join CEA in working to preserve our local water supply. |
|
 |
|
|
© Sac-Be International, Inc.
 |
 |
|
|