Extracting from the Ancient Mariner may not seem entirely appropriate when the water concerned is that which we are privileged to drink.  However, it’s as well to remember that our supply of water to drink, water to feed our crops, water to keep our gardens fresh, water for animals in the field or in the bush should not be taken for granted.

We are so lucky in First World Countries (although I wonder whether that’s a fair description of South Africa: maybe first world features but certainly a third world government).  Occasionally we find ourselves reminded of our privileges, especially when those privileges are denied us even if only for a short while.  So here in South Africa and in so many other places in the world we have suffered the consequences of El Nino with resultant widespread drought.

And yet the world has suffered remarkable levels of flooding which the experts tell us will continue to get a lot worse.  It’s difficult to know what conclusion to draw, leaving aside any obvious link with global warming.  There seems to be no consistency but it must be right to take safety measures against the impact of climate change.  We need to be prepared for a lot more flooding and we need to be prepared for far longer droughts.  Water, water will not be everywhere to drink.