Speaking of Holiday Magic...

By Paul Freedman, 2009-2010 President of the Water Environment Federation

It’s the season when families and friends gather to share gifts and holiday cheer, and festive music, decorations, and lights are everywhere. Some say it’s the most magical time of the year, and I’d agree, although I’d also point out that water is pretty magical too, and that’s all year round.

Water is the only element that naturally changes before our eyes from liquid, to gaseous, to solid forms. Every time you see a waterfall, a cloud, or this time of year, a snowflake, you are looking at the magic of water transformed. But even beyond these special physical qualities, water is absolutely magical in essence, fundamental to life itself, and a treasure that must be protected and shared.

Sadly, 2.6 billion people around the world lack adequate water supply and sanitation. Although industrialized countries, the U.S. included, experience some quality of life and economic impacts related to increasing water scarcity, developing countries are much more critically impacted by inadequate water supply and untreated wastewater. They are facing an immediate health crisis that threatens millions of lives and kills over a million children ever year. It’s like comparing the ability to water your lawn with having enough water to drink— there is no comparison. Millions are dying, and Water Environment Federation members have the technical knowledge and ability to help.

Beyond extending our expertise as we work to protect and preserve water resources, there’s more we can do. Water for People, a WEF charity of choice, helps people in developing countries ‘by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities and health and hygiene education programs’. As a water quality professional, I can relate to this mission, and you probably can, too. In the spirit of the season, please consider making a generous donation to help meet this urgent and global need and make clean water available to everyone. Meanwhile, thank you for all you do to protect public health and the environment, and very best wishes for a joyous and magical holiday season.