By Keith Williams
We all know the value of water. Many of us have a passion for water. I believe those with passion should search for opportunities to share the value of water with their family, friends, and others with the hope that they will also share our passion and spread it around. The sustainability of water requires an educated world relative to the value of water.
The summer season is soon to be here. It won’t be too long before many of us will be spending time with our families at various vacation venues around the world. Many of these venues are water related. Places like water parks, beaches, lakes, etc. These can be excellent opportunities to combine family fun with our passion for water. Talk to your children about where the water comes from. Tell them in basic terms; how the water is kept clean enough for recreation. Explain the things people do that reduce the water quality.
Family fun time can also be family training time. The basic processes of sedimentation and filtration can easily be created during family craft projects. Plastic cups and bottles can be sedimentation basins. Simple items like coffee filters, dad’s sock, sister’s tee shirt, all make great filtration media. Muddy water, sandy water, water filled with grass clippings, etc. all make great streams to be treated. These kind of games with your family could also be the early training ground for our next water utility manager, your child.
What about your local elementary and middle school? Do they have career day or parent day programs? These can be excellent opportunities to share your passion with the future generation of water professionals. Use your imagination, keep it safe, and have fun. Our children are the future of our world’s water.
What about the neighborhood barbeque? The local water and waste water plant are often impacted by things your neighbors have done without realizing the down stream consequences. The neighborhood barbeque can be a good time to try to work into a conversation some of the more common activities which can impact the treatment plant operation. Activities like discharging used oil or grass clippings into a storm sewer. Look for neighbors that you can encourage to become involved in our industry through local committees and boards. Awareness can change behavior.
These opportunities can come from every day interactions including family, friends, and casual acquaintances. Water sustainability demands world knowledge and appreciation. Take the opportunity to share your passion. We can make a difference!
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About the author: Keith Williams is Vice President of Biosolids at Ashbrook Simon-Hartley, a Texas-based manufacturer of water and wastewater technologies. He is a member of the WWEMA Board of Directors.
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