KNOW YOUR WATER: An Educational Module on Saving Earth's Water

KNOW

A. WATER AS A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT

International Declarations Philippine Laws Importance of Upholding

B. THIRSTING EARTH: THE ISSUE OF WATER SCARCITY

Definition of Water Scarcity

Factors Affecting Water Scarcity

Impacts of Water Scarcity

Water Issues in the Context of the Philippines

C. WATER, WATER, WHERE ARE YOU?

Definition of Water

Availability Definition of Water Access

Natural Sources of Freshwate

Water Purification Methods Water Contaminants

Infrastructures for Water

D. THE WALK TOWARDS

W A T E R A S A B A S I C H U M A N R I G H T

RIGHT? RIGHT? WATER’S A RIGHT,

The UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS says WATER and SANITATION are fundamental human rights!

This recognition was formalized by the United Nations General Assembly on July 28, 2010, through Resolution 64/292 This resolution urges States and international organizations to allocate financial resources, aid capacity-building, and facilitate technology transfer, particularly to developing nations, to ensure the provision of safe, clean, accessible, and affordable drinking water and sanitation for all.

IN NOVEMBER 2022, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights adopted General Comment No. 15, which emphasizes the indispensable nature of the human right to water for maintaining human dignity.

Article I.1 of this comment asserts that access to water is a fundamental prerequisite for the fulfillment of other human rights.

SDG6

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The Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to "ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all" as part of the United Nations' broader agenda for sustainable development

WHAT DOES THE PHILIPPINE LAW SAY ABOUT WATER?

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PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1067, s. 1976

a legislative instrument titled "A Decree Instituting A Water Code, Thereby Revising And Consolidating The Laws Governing The Ownership, Appropriation, Utilization, Exploitation, Development, Conservation And Protection Of Water Resources "

RA 9275 - THE PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT

aims to protect the country’s water bodies from pollution from land-based sources (industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and community/household activities).

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PHILIPPINE WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION MASTER PLAN (PWSSMP)

The 2021 National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) introduced the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan (PWSSMP), which serves as the blueprint to achieve universal access to safe, sufficient, affordable, and sustainable water supply, hygiene, and sanitation by 2030

PWSSMP

PHILIPPINEWATER SUPPLYAND

SANITATIONMASTER PLAN

ACCESS THE PWSSMP HERE https://neda gov ph/pwssmp

View the list of programs and projects, as well as financial plans of the National Action Plan for Water Conservation.

t?" published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is emphasized that upholding water safety is important for several reasons:

Ensuring the fulfillment of quality and quantity requirements of water to meet fundamental human needs

Highlighting the correlation between water-related diseases and water quality as a means to safeguard public health.

Empowering governments to play a vital role in guaranteeing access to water that meets adequate quality and quantity standards

Upholding human rights principles by recognizing access to safe water as a fundamental human right essential for dignity, wellbeing, and life itself

T H I R S T I N G E A R T H : T H E I S S U E O F W A T E R S C A R C I T Y

THIRSTING EARTH: THE ISSUE OF WATER SCARCITY

When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.

- Benjamin Franklin refers to the condition where there is insufficient access to clean, safe, and reliable water for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, and other uses

IN THE PHILIPPINES, OUT OF THE POPULATION OF 113 MILLION PEOPLE, of households lack access to a safely managed water supply of households lack safe sanitation

FACTORS AFFECTING WATER SCARCITY

EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION

POOR INFRASTRUCTURE

POLLUTION

CLIMATE CHANGE

IMPACTS

HUMAN HEALTH

Waterborne diseases; like Cholera & Typhoid

Vector-borne diseases; like Malaria & Dengue fever

Malnutrition & Dehydration

POPULATION GROWTH

URBANIZATION

AGRICULTURE

Crop yield reduction

Increased risk of crop failure

Soil degradation and desertification

Farmers forced to switch to less waterintensive crops

ENVIRONMENT

Ecosystem degradation

Habitat loss

Water quality decline

Altered hydrological cycles

Loss of biodiversity

IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PHILIPPINES

In the Philippines, disparities in water access exist between urban and rural areas, with rural communities often facing greater challenges. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, as of 2017, around 91.8% of the urban population had access to basic drinking water services, compared to only 74.8% of the rural population Despite its seemingly abundant water resources, the Philippines confronts serious water shortage concerns, which are compounded by a mix of factors such as fast population increase, urbanization, pollution, ineffective water management methods, and the effects of climate change Take a look at some of the real-life scenarios highlighting these issues.

The Dumagat Remontados Indigenous Group’s Fight for Clean Water

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Every day, Dumagat students wade across the fast-flowing Lumutan River to school Some even hike hazardous pathways for more than 45 minutes before reaching the river The students are exhausted and thirsty by the

PHOTO BY PLANET WATER FOUNDATION

The Typhoon Odette Effect

Super Typhoon Rai, also known as Odette, made its first landfall in the afternoon of December 16, 2021, bringing torrential rains, severe gusts, mudslides, floods, and storm surges to the central-southern Philippines. It was the strongest storm to hit the Philippines in 2021, and the thirdstrongest storm ever recorded in the Northern Hemisphere. The devastating winds and torrential rains caused serious disruptions in

PHOTO BY PLANET WATER FOUNDATION

W A T E R , W A T E R , W H E R E A R E Y O U ?

WATER, WATER, WHERE ARE YOU?

When there is WATER SCARCITY, there can also be:

WATER AVAILABILITY

refers to the presence of an adequate quantity of water in a given area or region, typically measured in terms of the volume of water resources such as rivers, lakes, groundwater, and reservoirs It takes into account factors such as precipitation, surface runoff, groundwater recharge, and water storage capacity Water availability is crucial for supporting various human activities, including agriculture, industry, domestic use, and ecosystem functioning.

WATER ACCESS

refers to the ability of individuals and communities to obtain and utilize water for their daily needs It encompasses physical access to water sources, such as wells, taps, or water distribution networks, as well as factors like affordability, reliability, and quality of water supply.

“Where can I find fresh water?”

Surface Water:

Rivers - flowing bodies of water that originate from various sources such as rainfall, snowmelt, and springs

Lakes - large bodies of water that are usually enclosed by land and are replenished by precipitation, runoff, and groundwater.

Reservoirs - artificial lakes created by damming rivers to store water for various purposes such as drinking, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. Ponds - small bodies of standing water, often man-made, that can serve as sources of edible water in certain contexts.

Groundwater:

Aquifers - underground layers of permeable rock or sediment that contain water and can be tapped for drinking purposes through wells or springs

Wells - deep holes drilled or dug into the ground to access groundwater, which may be naturally occurring or artificially recharged.

“Where can I find fresh water?”

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Rainwater

Rainwater Harvestingcollection of rainwater from roofs, surfaces, or catchment areas for direct consumption or storage in tanks or cisterns.

Springs

Natural Springs - locations where groundwater flows to the surface naturally, often originating from underground aquifers, and can be accessed for drinking water.

Although natural sources may seem clean, drinking water directly from these sources without treatment is not recommended due to potential contamination. To ensure the safety of water, it must undergo sterilization and purification using various treatment methods;

WATER PURIFICATION METHODS

BOILING

Boiling water is one of the most effective methods for sterilizing it and killing harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute (or longer at higher altitudes) to ensure thorough sterilization

Wow! So many sources of water. Does that mean I can drink rainwater directly?

FILTRATION

FILTRATION

Filtration systems, such as portable water filters or household water filtration devices, can effectively remove sediment, debris, and some microorganisms from water. Look for filters that are certified to remove specific contaminants and meet safety standards.

CHEMICAL TREATMENT

Chemical disinfectants, such as chlorine bleach or iodine tablets, can be used to kill pathogens in water Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and allow sufficient contact time for the chemicals to work effectively

ULTRAVIOLET (UV) STERILIZATION

UV sterilization devices use ultraviolet light to destroy the DNA of microorganisms, rendering them harmless. UV sterilizers are often used in conjunction with other treatment methods for comprehensive water purification

DISTILLATION

Distillation involves heating water to create steam, which is then condensed back into liquid form. This process effectively removes contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals, leaving behind pure, distilled water.

OZONATION

Ozone gas is bubbled through water to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It is a powerful disinfectant that effectively sterilizes water and breaks down organic compounds, leaving no residual taste or odor.

CERAMIC FILTERS

Ceramic water filters consist of porous ceramic material that traps pathogens as water passes through. These filters are effective at removing bacteria, protozoa, and sediment, producing clean and safe drinking water

WHATGETS THEM CONTAMINATED INTHEFIRST PLACE, ANYWAY?

WATER CONTAMINANTS

Physical contaminants

Contaminants that impact the physical appearance or other physical properties of water

Examples include sediment or organic material suspended in the water of lakes, rivers and streams from soil erosion

Chemical contaminants

Naturally or man-made elements or compounds. Examples include nitrogen, bleach, salts, pesticides, metals, toxins produced by bacteria, and human or animal drugs

Microbiological contaminants

living contaminants, microbes, or organisms found in water. Examples include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and parasites.

Radiological contaminants

Contaminants that are chemical elements with an unbalanced number of protons and neutrons which results in the emission of ionizing radiation. Examples include cesium, plutonium and uranium.

WATER, WATER, WHERE ARE YOU?

WHAT INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDES WATER ACCESS?

INFRASTRUCTURES FOR WATER ACCESS

WATER TREATMENT PLANTS

facilities that treat raw water from natural sources to make it safe for consumption by removing contaminants and pathogens.

PIPELINES

networks of pipes that transport treated water from treatment plants to distribution points such as households, businesses, and public facilities

WATER STORAGE TANKS

reservoirs or tanks that store treated water for distribution

RAINWATER HARVESTS

infrastructure that collects rainwater from rooftops and other surfaces for storage and later use in non-potable applications such as irrigation and toilet flushing

WATER WELLS

underground structures that access groundwater for drinking and other purposes

Quick N’ Easy Water-saving Techniques

Regularly check for and repair leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes to prevent water waste. Take shorter showers and consider turning off the water while lathering or shampooing. Turn off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes by hand

Wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher or washing machine Invest in water-efficient appliances such as low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads.

Install rain barrels to collect rainwater for outdoor use, such as watering plants or washing cars.

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, sidewalks, and outdoor areas.

Water outdoor plants and lawns in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation, and use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target roots directly

Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture in the soil and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Choose drought-resistant plants and landscaping designs that require less water, reducing the need for irrigation.

REPAIR LEAKS IN PIPES

TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS USE RAIN BARRELS

BROOM INSTEAD OF HOSE

SAD NEWS...

Approximately 60% of all infant mortality worldwide is linked to water-related infectious and parasitic diseases

More than 3 million people die every year from diseases caused by unsafe water In developing countries 80% of illnesses and more than a third of deaths are a result of drinking contaminated water

Data by IUCN, 2024

That’s why protecting water resources is important

HOW TO KEEP WATER SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Superhero Tips for Safe Water Protection

Reduce - By using only what we need and minimizing waste, we can help prevent harmful pollutants from entering our waterways. Simple actions like using ecofriendly products, conserving water at home, and reducing single-use plastics can make a big difference in preserving water quality.

Reuse - By giving old items a new purpose, we can reduce the need for new resources and minimize the amount of waste that ends up in our water systems Repurposing items like containers, bags, and household items not only conserves resources but also reduces the demand for energy-intensive production processes that can contribute to water pollution.

Recycle - By sorting and recycling materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal, we can ensure that valuable resources are reused and transformed into new products rather than being disposed of improperly.

THE WALK TOWARDS WATER EQUITY

Aworld where no child is thirsty is an impossible one if we rely solely on individual efforts to solve water issues. To address this problem, it necessitates collaborative efforts among various sectors, such as the government, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and different private sectors. By empowering communities to actively manage water resources through the implementation of sustainable practices and the development of

resilient infrastructure, we can work towards bridging the gap in access to clean and safe water. This involves initiatives such as supporting the establishment of water treatment facilities, efficient irrigation systems for our farms, and implementing rainwater harvesting techniques in waterstressed regions, particularly in provinces. As children, we can contribute to these causes by sharing educational campaigns and encouraging our peers to support organizations raising awareness for water equity Being a child does not limit us to raising our voices, especially in front of an apparent issue By informing the public about the importance of water conservation, highlighting the impacts of water inequality on vulnerable populations, and advocating for sustainable water management practices, we can create a collective commitment to addressing water challenges Not only can we mobilize support, but it can also drive policy change At the end of the day, humankind will always have a heart for change, especially for the vulnerable ones.

PHOTO BY PLANET WATER FOUNDATION

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