A
flood of info about drinking water
By Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, March 9, 2009
Students at New Hope - Solebury High School and the Jonathan D. Krist Foundation are raising awareness about a precious natural resource.
It would surprise few to know the developing world's drinking
water is in jeopardy. It might surprise many, however, to know how significant the problem is in our local communities.
Threatened by development, pollution and a lack of information,
the region's watersheds are under pressure, said Brian Keyes, a member of the Aquetong Watershed Association.
"There are pollutants from pesticides and farming; there's
erosion," said Keyes, of the area's streams and rivers. Protecting the region's groundwater and "sustaining the aquifer for
our grandchildren," is imperative, he noted. Hoping to "edu-tain" - both educate and entertain - the Jonathan D. Krist Foundation
and the environmental club of New Hope-Solebury High School are hosting "Know H2O: Water Heroes on Tour."
The multimedia event arrives in New Hope March 15, World Water Day, and includes a wide array of activities centered on the growing
concern over safe drinking water around the globe.
The program will benefit PlayPumps International, a nonprofit
that builds wells in Africa - installed near schools, the PlayPump doubles as a water pump and
a merry-go-round for children, so it is powered by children at play..
Peggy Krist, mother of Jonathan Krist and founder of the
foundation, said a well costs about $14,000 and can serve 2,500 people for at least 10 years. The foundation, created in honor
of her son and his charitable efforts, has already helped build two wells.
Live music and dance will include a performance by New Jersey's Bonnie Brae Knights, who performed at President Obama's inauguration. Pieces from
highly acclaimed documentary films such as the Delaware
River Keeper-produced, "Remember the River,"
and "Liquid Assets" will be shown and speakers will address the challenge of providing clean water for countries across the
world and here at home.
Participants will have an opportunity to take part in a
bottled water versus tap water taste test and speak with representatives from the Aquetong Watershed Association and the Bucks
County Water and Sewer Authority.
Noting the value of plentiful, clean water, Les Isbrandt,
president of the watershed association, quoted Ben Franklin.
"When the wells run dry we know the worth of water."
If you go
What: Water Heroes on Tour
Where: New Hope-Solebury High School
When: March 15, 2 to 4 p.m.
Minimum $5 ticket donation
More than one billion people worldwide do not have access
to clean water.
Water-related diseases are the leading cause of death in
the world, taking the lives of 6,000 people a day, and are responsible for 80 percent of all sickness in the world.
40 billion hours are spent hauling water annually, a chore
primarily undertaken by women and girls
Source: PlayPump International
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