Much has been said about ...

Much has been said about water being our most valuable resource. In spite of this, society's perception, in regards to its level of knowledge and support for clean water and water conservation vs water consumption and waste, falls short of expectations and level of commitment to the former.

As a water professional with experience in the water balance equation, the responsibility of ensuring that the resource is well managed falls on the shoulders of agencies, utilities and legislation whose intent and execution are not necessarily aligned with the practices inherent to each of the aforementioned players.

The underlying factor is a human one - we are all guided by our set of rules and perceptions which have been handed down via many systems (societal organization) and our experience in said systems. When viewed holistically, the collective actions of all, driven by each set of desires and needs are expected to be tempered by information and knowledge whose intent is that of making the individual choose wisely. In terms of water usage, the good actions of many are subject to the bad actions of individuals or groups that acting as sole players or concerted groups with their own set of drivers, make the prospect of achieving a true water balance and the prospect of achieving a basis for projected quality of life and assurance of continuity for the human race a difficult one.

Having said the above, I have full confidence in the prospect of the human race enduring and gradually realizing that clean water is indeed one of the factors that enable our fruitful habitation on earth or elsewhere and that continuing advances in technology, with correct application of the same, will ameliorate the environmental damage we have subjected our ecosystems to.