Happy Water Day!

Today is World Water Day. In fact, it's Water Week too.

No, this doesn't mean we're all on a water-only diet, but it does give a chance for each of us to take a good look at our water use and misuse, and think about water issues.

One of the articles I wrote for a magazine recently was about the river pollution problems we face world-wide. I used my local waterway as an example of how quickly a river can become polluted - and that we don't often think how our actions have a knock-on effect. Things like using fertilizers on your lawn, then watering it: where does that waste water end up? Heading down the gutters, and likely into your nearest stream or river.

It was interesting to chat to a group that is involved in not only caring for, but also improving this river. They are active among politicians and the community, gathering once a month to weed out alien vegetation and keeping a close eye on water quality. I stopped by the work group to take a few photos, and got a good look at the variety of vegetation and inhabitants on the river's banks. Including one guineafowl with no less than 16 babies running after her!

I know many schools are focusing on water this week - but once you're out of school it's harder to remember to do. We get caught up in making a living, and forget to stop and think.

But do so today. As you down your bottled water at work or wash your hands. As you cook or clean or water the garden. Take a moment to consider where that water comes from, the path it's travelled to reach you, and whether you're using it well.

And hey - go swimming, will ya? :)

::update::
Here's what some countries are doing around the world to conserve and manage their water.