WSC Marks Water Month with Annual High School Competition

  -Winner will win a scholarship to an accredited college

 or university of their choosing.

Nassau, New Providence – Water is the source of life for all living things. Humans, animals and vegetation all rely on water for survival. It is no surprise then, that many of the world’s greatest civilizations began as settlements near water; in fact, population growth and distribution have been intimately linked to the availability of fresh water for centuries. While water continues to be the world’s most precious resource, it is also without question one of the world’s most undervalued resources as well.

With the world population expected to grow from a little over 7 billion today, to 8 billion by 2025; putting additional strain on water needs the global community has begun to spread the message of conservation of water sources. This is no less true of the Bahamas and of the Water and Sewerage Corporation.

In May of each year the Water and Sewerage Corporation celebrates Water Month offering water-related tips, resources, contests, incentives and activities to its customers across the country. This year’s theme: Water and the Environment: How do they Coexist? encourages Bahamians to take a look at how their water usage impacts the wider environment and conversely how their everyday habits with respect to waste disposal and other matters impact the safety and quality of our local water supply.

“Many individuals may not immediately make the connection between the environment and the water they drink or the water that comes out of the faucet at home,” explained Public Affairs Manager Visna Armbrister.

“This year’s theme will hopefully bridge that stream of consciousness for Bahamians and make everyone more aware of how lifestyle choices impact both the environment and our water and get people to start making better decisions all around” she said.

Over the years the WSC’s observance of water month has become synonymous with the corporation’s annual essay and video competitions which give high school aged children the opportunity to participate in the process and learn how their own actions, or lack thereof, can impact our world. Last year, Michael Miller of Queens College took top honors in the Essay Competition while Waynisha Saunders of CV Bethel was the winner of the video competition, which has reached over 24000 views on the WSC Facebook page.

“Reaching young people is particularly important,” noted Armbrister. “They are the ones that will inherit this planet when older generations pass on, they need an awareness of the world around them and this competition is way to educate and inspire them to get involved even at an early age.”

The competition is open to high school students in Grades 10 and 11 and requires students to submit essays or videos based on this year’s theme. As they did last year, the winners of this year’s competition will receive laptops, tablets with the top prize of a scholarship to an accredited college or university of their choosing. Rules and details can be found on the website at www.wsc.com.bs