Ushka Mrkusic, Scarborough
There’s no denying the water crisis has gone from bad to worse but it’s unfair to place the burden on us.
Communities shouldn’t have to live with the looming threat of water shortages.
For over two decades we have been informed of climate change. 1998 was globally the warmest year on record, followed by 2002 and 2003. The 10 warmest years on record have all occurred since 1990. If we want to prevent droughts from getting worse, (and the side effects – wildfires, food shortages, price increases or lost income because of climate change exacerbated drought), we need to change destructive human behaviour towards the environment and preserve our water supply.
There also has to be a sustainable alternative water solution. I spent a month in Australia, in the height of summer with temperatures soaring from 37 to 40 degrees. Their big barren landmass is the lowest, the flattest and (apart from Antarctica) the driest continent on earth. A thriving population inhabits the coastline and there is no water crisis. We don’t need to re-invent the wheel. We can take a feather from Oz government water policies, a world leader in “desalination plants”, and mining underground water, (replacing it with grey water to ensure balance), hence, reassuring the citizens of sufficient water for the future.
The government and the City works for the people. They are liable and must take responsibility for the use of our taxes. To the benefit of the greater good of society. Clearly, water is a top priority.