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Water Savers
Water...it is supposed to be a common good. Either we
have plenty, that is, for those of us who live in first-world countries, or
we all don't have any. The latter, obviously, for those in the so called
third-world countries. Basic idea is to share whatever water we have. Right?
Nope, wrong. Totally wrong. Agreed, first world countries have all the water
they need, and, again agreed, third world countries have no water at all.
But what about those second-world countries, the countries no one talks
about, the countries that, in our case, give water to those that have it all
the time and keep it from their own citizens?
Obviously, I'm talking about our own area in the Gouves
Township, but from what I hear it’s happening all over Crete. At the time of
this writing, the main switches of the watersupply are turned on every three
to four days. Now, you can go to the town council and ask for a programme
that'll state exactly when water will be available at your home. Of course,
this leaflet shouldn't be taken too seriously, most of the time it is
incorrect, some homes haven't seen water for 10 days in a row, but at least
it is a piece of paper that you can hold onto, a form of fictional support.
Don't get your hopes up too high, complaining when the programme is off
hasn't helped anyone I know yet.
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Ok, so there is no water. And I guess it is understandable
that water goes to the tourist industry first, they are, after all, our
daily bread. So, yes, they need to take showers and they need to swim in a
clean pool. And, yes, they need to be able to flush down their daily waste.
But can anyone explain to me why they need their tennis
courts watered three times a day? Anyone with half a brain realizes that in
this heat one does not play tennis. Or can anyone explain to me why tourists
need to walk on bright green, daily watered grass? They have that in their
own countries because of the rain they can't stand and try to avoid by
coming to Crete.
Why in the name of sanity do we want to remind them of
home and waste our precious water on it? It puzzles me deeply. But
then again, I am not one to linger on the questions for very long, I'ld
rather find the answers. So, except for the normal water-saving routines and
tips we all know by heart, I've tried to come up with a few creative tips to
help you, my fellow citizen, save some water. Some are a bit yucky
but, hey, desperate times ask for desperate measures.
1.
Turn on your airco and put a bucket
underneath. Invite lots of people over to sit and cool off with you.
Guaranteed you have enough after a couple of hours to do your laundry.
2.
“Borrow” the buckets outside of
neighbouring hotels, those airco's go 24/7, you can use the water to wash
your car, your windows and mop your floor. (Please do return buckets, only
borrow the water)
3.
Take your own showers at the beach or
neighbouring hotels. There are showers available everywhere outside and they
always seem to have plenty of water. Do not be embarrassed about shampoos
and conditioners, believe me, you are not the only one!
4.
If times get real rough, gather your own
pee to flush bigger waste...a bottle of chlorine straight after will take
care of the smell!
With a bit of luck it 'll rain this month...till then, I
wish you courage and patience.
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