The theme of World Water Day 2021 is Valuing Water, which will be celebrated in an online event on the UN-Water website on 22 March. The day’s central focus is to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – water and sanitation for all by 2030. 

Many people in the world have no access to clean water and sanitation. And with the ever-present global crisis today – owing to damaging factors such as global warming, pollution and damaged tables – it’s one of the world’s most valuable resources. 

The value is multi-dimensional. We need it for households, growing food, health, education, economics, and the natural environment’s integrity. It’s a critical resource that needs safeguarding and protection. Unfortunately, we mismanage our water supply continuously, and recently, water shortages have become pretty standard in many SA regions. 

South Africa’s water crisis

Many reasons contribute to this growing water crisis in South Africa. The most critical impact of these reasons is climate change. According to one report, 35% of the cities’ water is stolen or consumed through illegal connections and illicit relationships.

One report stated that in 2008 about five million people lacked access to water, and 15 million lacked access to basic sanitation. This number has significantly improved since then, but it’s still too high, and not one person should ever lack access to the most basic necessity of life, which is water.

You and water

You need water to keep every part of your body functioning at an optimal level. Dehydration happens when your body doesn’t have the proper amount of water to perform these various functions. Dehydration can lead to organ failure in the long term. 

It’s not enough to drink when you’re thirsty. Water is the vital ingredient in the blood transport system of carrying nutrients to every cell, tissue, bone, vein and organ and removing waste and toxins. 

To keep hydrated and suitably flushed out, men need to drink at least 15.5 cups and women about 11.5 cups a day, says the National Academics of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. You’d need more if you’re exercising or live in tropical regions.  

Drinking your daily fill of water

The number of cups to get through in a day seems impossible. The average person manages about six to eight cups on a good day. That’s not enough. Short of acquiring apps and gadgets to bleep or ping every time you need to have a cup or bottle of water, you need to plot your route to mission-accomplished status with precision. 

These ideas can give you a head start:

• Fill a two-litre container with water where you can see it or where you have to pass by it – such as on your desk, bedside table or kitchen counter.
• Infuse it with exciting flavours to satisfy your taste buds. Once they’re on board, we have won half the battle. The longer the lemons or lime, cucumber and fresh herbs steep, the richer the flavours and aromas. Who can resist such a refreshing drink? 
• Try herbal teas, which serve not only to hydrate but usually come with a medicinal benefit as well. They are either anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory or an antioxidant, a decongestant or have digestive benefits.
• Take a bottle with you to exercise or if you have to drive somewhere.
• Every time you drink coffee or wine, choose to drink a glass of water too. The coffee and wine do not count as part of your daily water intake. They are extras. 
• When you’re preparing a meal or boiling the kettle for a cup of coffee, drink a cup of water. When done, refill the cup so that it’s ready for your next round. 
• Take a sip after every trip to the loo. 
• Divide your day into time zones. Drink a cup after waking up, one at breakfast time, another for your morning break and by the time you reach midday, you should either be half-way to your target or a third of the way. In the afternoon, you can get at least another four cups down before supper time, and for the rest of the evening, you have to add the balance. 
• Dilute sugary drinks, and while on the subject of sugary beverages, instead of having them, rather have sparkling or mineral water.
• Add more water-rich fruit and vegetables to your diets, such as watermelon, tomatoes, grapefruit, cucumber, spinach, leafy greens and zucchini. 

Yes, you can

There are ample opportunities throughout the day to fill up the quota sheet. There are filters to add value to your home and beautiful water bottles to add visual beauty to the task at hand. 

For those who are goal- or reward-driven – the 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women can count as steps to what you desire for yourself at the weekend or month-end. Nothing is impossible, after all.

If it helps, add a friend to the quest to stay hydrated. 

The Medical Society is passionate about proper health and nutrition for both children and adults. The Medical Society covers you and your family for whatever unforeseen illnesses may come your way, offering affordable healthcare for adults.

Starting from R89 a month, we cover our members for unlimited nurse-room visits, as well as dietary advice from professionals.