By Dr Zawwar Hussain
On World Water Day, the world pauses to reflect on a resource that may appear ordinary but holds an extraordinary significance. Water is not merely a liquid; it is a silent, immensely powerful force that breathes life into every cell, every organ and every system of living beings. In essence, it is indispensable for the survival of humans, plants and animals alike. It stands among the greatest blessings bestowed by God, yet tragically, it remains one of the most neglected. Some 60 to 70 per cent of the human body is composed of water, making it the fundamental pillar of our biological structure. In men, water constitutes about 61 per cent of body mass, while in women it accounts for nearly 51 per cent due to a higher proportion of body fat.
In newborn infants, this figure rises to nearly 75 per cent, a clear demonstration that life itself begins and thrives through water. It exists both within and outside the cells, sustaining the vital functions of the brain, liver, thyroid gland, lungs, digestive system, eyes and kidneys. Although water does not directly provide calories or nutrients, it is absolutely essential for human survival. Scientific research reveals that while a person may survive for some time with depleted levels of fats, proteins or glycogen, even a 20 per cent loss of body water can make survival impossible. This stark reality reinforces the truth that water is, in fact, the very soul of life.
An average adult requires approximately two to three liters of water daily, though this requirement varies with climate and environmental conditions. In intensely hot regions such as Sibi, Multan, Jacobabad, Khairpur and Tharparkar, the body loses significant amounts of water through perspiration, thereby increasing the need for hydration. During winter, thirst may diminish, yet the body’s physiological demand for water remains constant. Water performs a multitude of critical functions within the human body.
The human body loses water through four primary processes: sweating, respiration, urination and excretion. This continuous loss makes regular replenishment essential for maintaining health and vitality. A glance at the Earth reveals that nearly 70 per cent of its surface is covered with water. However, a striking reality is that about 97 per cent of this water is saline and unfit for human use. Only 3 per cent is freshwater, most of which is locked away in glaciers and ice caps, including the majestic ice-covered mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan. In practical terms, merely 1 per cent of the Earth’s water is readily available for human consumption, a deeply alarming fact.
This issue is not only global but has taken on a severe dimension at the national level. Pakistan is among the nations facing acute water scarcity. In 1951, per capita water availability exceeded 5,000 cubic meters; today, it has dropped below 1,000 cubic meters, signaling a looming crisis. In the province of Sindh, the situation is even more fragile. Being located in the lower riparian regions of the Indus river, water shortages intensify concerns, particularly in cities such as Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal and Badin. In Karachi, millions of gallons of water fall short of daily demand, forcing communities and agriculture alike to depend on unsafe and unreliable sources, thereby giving rise to numerous challenges.
Diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, typhoid and hepatitis A are widespread, claiming thousands of lives every year, particularly among children. This alarming situation affects not only public health but also the economy, education and overall societal progress. Illness reduces productivity, weakens human potential and hinders national development. The solution to this crisis lies in both collective and individual action. At the household level, practical measures such as regular cleaning of water storage tanks, boiling water before consumption, using filtration systems and disinfecting water with chlorine are highly effective. Approximately 0.7 milligrams of chlorine per liter can make water safer for use.
A transformation in our attitudes is urgently needed. Wasting water is, in reality, a direct threat to our future. Simple actions such as turning off taps when not in use, adopting careful consumption habits, harvesting rainwater, implementing water recycling systems in mosques, schools and communities, and utilizing modern storage techniques can collectively bring about profound change. Only a conscious and responsible nation can safeguard its resources. Protecting water is, in essence, protecting life itself. And it is this path that will lead us towards a healthier, stronger and more prosperous future.
(The writer is a PhD scholar with a strong research and analytical background and can be reached at editorial@metro-Morning.com)
