Water Savers

Water, it is supposed to be a common good. Either we have plenty, that is, for those of us that 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. At this time the main switches of the watersupply are turned on every 3 to 4 days. Now, you can go to the town council and ask for a program 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 on too, a form of fictional support. Don't get your hopes up too high, complaining when the program is off hasn't helped anyone I know yet.

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 3 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 why's for very long, I'ld rather find solutions. 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 sweat with you. Guaranteed you have enough after a couple of hours to do your laundry with.
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.