Every single drop counts

Australia is facing a very serious problem, due to the continued decline of water supply dams across the nation. Queensland is perhaps the most concerning one, some areas in the region have their water dams falling below 30% of the available capacity. Obviously, this country is experiencing a severe drought causes (again) by El Nino, which is predicted to strengthen by the end of year.

South East Queensland is experiencing the worst drought in more than 100 years.

As a result of this water shortage, the government developed the Regional Drought Strategy in the areas where the dam levels are below the average capacity. This strategy aims at reducing water consumption in the region. Brisbane is now facing a level 3 (soon to be level 4) water restriction. Gardens must be watered using a hand-held bucket (no sprinklers and hosing). Topping-up of swimming pools are only permitted before 7am and after 7pm on specific days set by the government. I wonder if they would ban topping-up of pools if higher level of restrictions apply. The proposal of the level 4 water restrictions have been proposed and it is expected to be introduced on October 2006.

The Queensland Government announced that they would use recycled water if a drought condition continues. It was planned to be implemented in a drought-stricken Toowoomba where Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers takes place every year. But the vote in referendum concluded that Toowoomba’s residents opposed the idea of drinking recycled water from their own waste. So what will be the next step for the government to handle this situation? Desalination, maybe?

I can see the impact of the water crisis right away. Fountains do not function any more. Plants and gardens in the city looked very pale, dry, and dying. They don’t looked fresh and ‘green’. It’s so sad, isn’t it? Honestly speaking, I have never lived in a country where water is valued so much, that the residents are so care about collecting the rainwater for the later usage! Even this hotel encourage the guests to collect any “spray from the shower” so that the hotel can use the water for gardens. In Saudi Arabia, the source of water comes from the sea, which is processed by desalination to produce a fresh water. The tank truck usually comes from buildings to buildings to fill in the wells or water tanks twice or three times a week. So water, although should be bought, is accessible and people sometimes waste it. Meanwhile, Indonesia is blessed with heavy rain, therefore we have enough water supply. We can just drill the ground and get the water! (that’s how most residents in Jakarta get the water from, right???) We have so much water that we even intend to CLEAN the public streets!!! Hahaha… I’ve seen this scene for so many times. But although we sometimes experience drought during summer, people seem so careless on how important and valuable the water is for them. In addition, there are no calls or encouragements from the governments or public figures to reduce the consumption of water. Forget about the water restrictions, it won’t be implemented by the government! Well, they’re too busy with Playboy magazine! Even if the restrictions are introduced, not many people would stick to the rules. It would have the same output with the pirated CDs, VCDs, and DVDs that were once banned in the country.

With the return of El Nino, scientist predict that apart from Australia, South East Asia will also experience drought conditions. So, why not start saving water from now?

*Thank you SOOOO much for the bday wishes!!!!