What can be done to ensure clean water is accessible to all?

Water is essential for all forms of life but 97 percent of all water is in the oceans, with only 3 percent being fresh water. To mark World Water Day on March 22, Vientiane Times asked for people’s thoughts about efforts to ensure greater access to clean water and how to preserve clean water sources.
 

A conservation forest in Xayaboury province.

Ms Sakhone Southichack, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: The government and other authorities should look at what happens to the dirty water that is created in our towns.  This water mostly flows into rivers, harming aquatic creatures and plant life. In addition, dirty water often has a bad smell and could affect the health of people living nearby. It seems no one cares about this problem so nothing has been done to develop a system which removes impurities from water before it is sent into rivers. The water channels are full of plastic bags and other garbage. Specialists should share their knowledge on how we can tackle this problem. 
 
Ms Matta Sonsack, an employee in Vientiane: Growing populations and economies are driving the demand for clean water everywhere, while global warming and climate change is a threat to the world’s fresh water supplies. We need to maintain our fresh water sources and the balance of our ecosystems for the benefit of future generations. I think we should join together to protect our water resources and make sure they are not wasted.  Water is important every day, not just on World Water Day.
 
Ms Maichue, a college student from Xaysomboun province: I think we are lucky to be living in Laos because we have an abundance of fresh water.  I’ve read in the news that many countries lack fresh water, which makes life very difficult. We should never take our water for granted and do what we can to protect and sustain our natural water supplies. One day, I dream of having drinkable water coming straight out of the taps in my kitchen and at school. It would be good if schools taught the value of fresh water to all pupils.
Mr Soukanya Sianong, an employee in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane: There are many families in Laos that still don’t have clean drinking water in their homes, especially in remote areas. The situation in our country is poor compared to neighbouring countries. It seems like we have more problems with our water resources because businesses and factories here don’t care about the environment and carelessly pollute our rivers. As far as drinking water is concerned, wouldn’t it be great if it came directly out of taps? The most essential task is to make sure people in rural and remote communities have regular access to clean water.
 
Ms Chanphone Sivongsa, a college student from Huaphan province: I live near a river and am well aware of how important water is for everyone.  I don’t know much about the effects of dirty water on aquatic life, but I know that the number of aquatic species is decreasing year by year. I know this is mainly because of illegal fishing but I have also heard that dirty water is to blame. On the occasion of World Water Day, I would like to call on those responsible to pay more attention to this issue and devise ways to protect our rivers and streams and keep the water clean. I think everyone should make a serious effort to protect the environment, especially water sources, and back sustainable efforts to keep our water clean.
      

By Lamphone Pasanthong
   (Latest Update March 23, 2022)