We live on a small island surrounded by the salty sea. There’s water, water, everywhere. Yet, we rely on potable water to drink, cook, and fill cisterns. Having access to clean water is vital, and we can’t survive without it.
On Anguilla, there’s a desalination plant and aquifers yielding ground water in wells. When there’s plenty of rainfall, cisterns are full, vegetation is watered, and animals/insects have water to drink. With intense temperatures and drought these past few months, water catchments are diminished.
Oftentimes, we have to buy water from local water delivery companies. Over a week ago, I was waiting for water to be delivered when the delivery truck broke down. Fortunately, I keep bottles/jugs of water in the house for when the cistern is low and the pump cuts off.
Some homes have water lines connected to the Water Corporation. However, the inconsistent flow of water to residences is concerning. Water supplied to Cedar Village and North Side is frequently cut-off. Why are people paying EC$500 per household monthly and not receiving water regularly every day and night?
All’a we need water for numerous daily functions. We must have water to bathe, clean, cook, etc. Our bodies require water for cellular function, temperature regulation, and waste removal. Without the necessary water, our health is at risk, we cannot work efficiently, and our livelihoods are affected.
A large portion of water composes our bodies. The amount of a human body’s water can ebb depending upon factors like age, body composition, hydration, and sex. For most people, water levels range between 50-70 percent. Babies have a higher percentage of water in their bodies, and it decreases as they grow.
At birth, an infant’s water level may be 75-78% and at the age of one year drops to 65%. For adults, it’s up to 60% for men and 55% for women. Body composition affects water percentages. Fatty tissue contains less water than lean tissue/muscle. People with excessive weight have a lower percentage of water.
We maintain balanced levels of water in our bodies by drinking fluids throughout the day/night. During hot weather and after exercise, we need to drink more water to replenish fluid lost from perspiration. Without sufficient water, we become dehydrated.
Water and its role in the human body
Two-thirds of the body’s water is contained in intracellular fluid and one-third is in the extracellular fluid. The amount of water changes depending on the organ. Blood plasma contains 20% of the total human body water. In human bodies, water makes up 83% of the lungs, 79% of the muscles and kidneys, 73% of the heart, 64% of the skin, and 31% of the bones.
Water is the primary component of cells and acts as an insulator to regulate internal body temperature through sweat and respiration. A major component of digestive juices and saliva is water, which helps digest food.
Additionally, water protects the brain, spinal cord, organs, and foetus by insulating them and lubricating joints. Water works as a shock absorber and is utilised to remove waste and toxins from the body through urine. Moreover, water is the body’s primary solvent with minerals, soluble vitamins, and some nutrients dissolved in it. Water helps transport oxygen and nutrients from and to the cells.
Avoiding dehydration in hot weather
A good rule of thumb is to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. We get caught up in daily activities and forget to stop and take a sip of water or hydrating beverage. Becoming dehydrated happens also when we consume alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
Drinking a bottle or glass of water for every couple of bottles/glasses of alcoholic/caffeine beverages helps us to stay hydrated. Older adults mightn’t feel thirsty, yet can still be slightly parched. Sipping a hydrating drink or water every 1-2 hours helps to maintain our bodies water levels.
A few tips to remind us to save water, stay hydrated
Use grey water from washing to water plants and clean cars. Fill dishpans with water instead of running the tap. Carry drinkable bottled water/hydrating beverages in non-plastic containers. Add a little sugar to a drink for re-hydration. Store jugs of water for bathing, cooking, washing hands and dishes, and flushing toilets.
May we all conserve water and may pouring rains come soon to replenish cisterns and nurture the land.
Ms. Kay M Ferguson is a contributing columnist who writes on diverse topics affecting the Anguilla community. She encourages everyone to evolve and positively transform our world. Link with Kay at anguillawriter@gmail.com.
Online sources of information for this article were taken from medicinenet.com and medicalnewstoday.com.
