But I'm thirsty now

Sometimes I wonder: will there be enough bottled water for future generations? (And what about limes? Some of our children's children wouldn't mind a slice for flavour.) As I sit here sipping a glass of Toronto's finest I can't help but ask: is anyone doing anything to make sure our descendants will be adequately hydrated?

You'd better believe it.

Water Tomorrow

Since I became involved with Water Tomorrow, I have been dedicated to promoting the sustainability of drinking for future generations. Top scientists predict that given the rapid rise in world temperatures and population, in 30 years it will be 1.5 times more difficult to drink just 50% the amount of water we consume today. This could mean a difficult future for the parched global citizen.

Water, Water, Everywhere?

It might be hard to see the significance of this problem. "I just got twenty-four bottles of Dasani from the local Sobeys," some people might say. "We have plenty of water, right?" Wrong. Each year every person on the planet consumes more than 60 L of water. And that's only five cases of Dasani. And on the planet there's more than a billion people. If you do the math, it's as clear as the water we drink: things are going to get thirsty and soon.

The effect of this shortage doesn't just affect water drinkers either. Imagine a glass of the favourite childhood staple, Kool-Aid, without water. Or trying to mix frozen orange juice from concentrate without water. The effect on the drinking world of water shortage cannot be understated. Do you enjoy your scotch with a little water? Or use water to help swallow important life-saving medications? Keep reading.

How Can I Help? I Want to Help Now!

Water Tomorrow has spearheaded a number of initiatives to ensure the future is not thirsty. Here are just some of things you can do at home to help our cause:

• People need containers to drink out of: stock up on tumblers, mugs, and stemware
  
• Every day fill one 2 L container with water and store in your basement or cellar for future use
• Collect rainwater and bathe in it
• Make some ice cubes, in case someone likes their water with a bit of ice; I know I do
• Add 10% less water when preparing foods or beverages, to conserve for the future
• Do not spit or ejaculate except for the purposes of procreation
• Water houseplants with a 50/50 mix of water and urine
• Prepare frozen pre-cut limes and lemons to add to beverages at a moment's notice
• Boil pasta in hydrogen peroxide
  

Is There Any Hope for the Future? Any Hope at All?

It is easy to despair at this mounting problem, but not all hope is lost. Today, dozens of volunteers are working with Water Tomorrow to ensure that there will be plenty of bottled water, ice, limes and cups for the drinkers of tomorrow. Water is such an important drink (if not the most important) that we need everyone's help to make sure the future is a well-hydrated place.