by Belinda Ollewagen | Jan 18, 2019 | Water
Circle of Blue is an American non-profit organization that collates and reports on all issues regarding water, from fresh water scarcity and how we’re reaching a new crisis threshold with major cities facing water shutdowns to water polling which draws on expert and public opinion. Included in this prolific online library are a number of eye-opening infographics, and one in particular holds our attention – 10 things you should know about water – and while it might be nearly ten years old now, its staggering statistics remain a solid reminder of why we should protect and conserve this natural resource at all costs.
- One drop of oil can make up to 6.6 gallons of water undrinkable.
- Seventy percent of the world’s water is used for agriculture, 22 percent for industry and 8 percent for domestic use. Low- and middle-income countries use 82 percent of their water for agriculture, 10 percent for industry and 8 percent for domestic use. High income countries use 30 percent of their water for agriculture, 59 percent for industry and 11 percent for domestic use.
- A person is able to survive one month without food but only five to seven days without water.
- Of all the Earth’s water, 97.5 percent is salt and 2.5 is fresh. Of that water, about 70 percent is locked in glacial ice and 30 percent in soil, leaving under 1 percent (.007 percent of the total water) readily accessible for human use.
- A water footprint, or virtual water, is the amount of water used in the entire production and/or growth of a specific product. For example, 2.2 lbs. of beef has a water footprint of 4,226.8 gallons; one sheet of paper has a water footprint of 2.6 gallons; one cup of tea has a water footprint of 9.2 gallons; and one microchip has a water footprint of 8.5 gallons.
- It takes 25 to 50 gallons of water to take a five-minute shower; 2-7 gallons to flush a toilet; 2 gallons to brush one’s teeth; and 20 gallons to hand wash dishes.
- 6,000 children die each day from preventable water-related diseases.
- The population of the United States is approximately 304 million; the population of Europe is approximately 732.7 million; 1.1 billion people lack adequate drinking water access; and 2.6 billion people lack basic water sanitation.
- The average American uses about 151.9 gallons of water per day, with about 60 percent of that being used out-of-doors (watering lawns, washing cars, etc.). The average European uses 66 gallons per day. 1.1 billion People lack adequate water access, using less than 5 gallons per day.
- The average American uses 30.3 times more water than a person who lacks adequate water access; the average European uses 13.2 times more water than a person who lacks adequate water access.
by Fern Shaw | Nov 13, 2018 | Water, water cooler
Typing the query ‘which fruit contains the most water’ into the omnipresent Google produces this result:
‘Grapefruit.’
*Then more about watermelon and strawberries – thing is, watermelon and strawberries seem to contain more water than grapefruit – 92% as opposed to the 91% of water in grapefruit. This leads me to believe that there’s some secret grapefruit marketing organisation that’s fruit bombing Google to ensure that the lesser watered grapefruit receives pole position.
Anyhow, I’m all okay with it – I really enjoy grapefruit, not so much watermelon (a story for another time). It may stem from my clever Mother who used to prepare our half a grapefruit with a sprinkle of brown sugar and a Maraschino cherry on top every single morning, rain or shine; or because I’ve just always enjoyed the more citrus of fruits.
Grapefruit also contain powerful anti-oxidants. What are anti-oxidants, you may ask? Well, simply put, they are one of the first lines of defence that the body employs to keep free radicals in check and prevent them from causing a domino effect of damage on other cells. Antioxidant compounds can ‘donate’ electrons to unstable free radicals so they don’t have to snatch electrons from unsuspecting nearby cells. So the ‘all powerful’ in the headline was pretty bang on – it is a fruit containing much power for good.
The rich pink and red colours of grapefruit are due to lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient. A carotenoid gives fruit their red, orange and yellow colour. These compounds are believed to protect against certain cancers, heart disease and even vision loss due to macular degeneration. You won’t find lycopene in white grapefruit. White grapefruit? Didn’t know there was white grapefruit! Continuing, lycopene appears to have anti-tumour activity. Among the common dietary carotenoids, lycopene has the highest capacity to help fight oxygen free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells.
So, aside from its top ranking despite it having the second highest water content, it would seem that grapefruit is all that.
As we head into the colder months, it’s understandable that we may veer away from topping up our water from the water cooler as much as we do when it’s warmer. But this is a mistake – our bodies still need to hydrate irrespective of the weather. What may be worth considering though is to ramp up your water intake with a water-rich, free radical booting fruit like … grapefruit. We may not all have a Mum who prepares our get-up-and-go grapefruit for us, but that’s no excuse.
*updated from a 09 Nov 2015 blog
by Fern Shaw | Nov 2, 2018 | Water, water cooler
Our skin is one of our most precious organs and no wonder: it’s responsible for so many functions that literally keep us intact and functioning. It’s also susceptible to so many factors, both internal and external, which are potentially harmful.
Not only does our skin work as a barrier, protecting against water loss as well as physical and chemical injury, it also regulates our temperature by dilating and constricting our blood vessels near the skin surface, controlling the transfer of heat out of the body. It protects us from UV radiation by producing melanin; produces Vitamin D, which helps prevent many diseases including osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, obesity and neurological diseases.
It makes good sense then, that we should protect our body’s largest organ (around 20 square feet) and treat it with the utmost care and respect.
This doesn’t always happen, sadly, and we can tend towards abusing it (albeit inadvertently).
The good news, though, is that one of the simplest methods of protecting our skin, increasing its resilience and keeping it healthy, plump and full of elasticity throughout our lives, is by drinking water (there’s no catch here, honestly).
Our skin consists of approximately 64% water, it therefore makes sense that water is essential to maintain the optimum skin moisture and deliver essential nutrients to the skin cells. Water replenishes the skin tissue and increases its elasticity.
Drinking enough water can also help combat dry and flaky skin and skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema. It also increases the metabolic rate and improves digestive system to flush out toxins from the body. This in turn gives you a healthy and glowing skin.
Whereas we all know that immersing ourselves in water, whether we’re bathing, showering or swimming, makes us feel wonderful, we need also water internally to promote good skin health.
That’s why it’s important to make sure that you head to the happy skin station that is your water cooler, wherever that may be – it could be at home, at the office or in your fitness centre – and start treating the water cooler like it’s your new best friend, which it could be, especially when you start seeing the results that come with drinking water regularly.
by Fern Shaw | Aug 8, 2018 | Water, water cooler
Or as Martha sang, ‘Heat wave …. uh … heat waaaaaaave …’
Or as a fellow FB’er posted … ‘Don’t we just call this summer?’
Anyhow, tamayto, tomado, whatever the weather, the fact remains, when the temperatures soar, do you know how to keep yourself cool and hydrated?
Here’s a refresher about keeping yourself cool and hydrated during summer. To make it super easy, I’ve listed keeping cool ideas for home, work and all around.
In the workplace:
- Stay hydrated! Set an alarm while at work to make sure that you visit the water cooler as often needs be to replenish your drinking water.
- Chill your wrists: Run cold water over your wrists for a 20 to 30 seconds every hour. Try not to do this using the cool water from the water cooler – it’s messy and I doubt the water cooler station is meant to be used as a private bathing area. Rather use the taps in the bathroom.
- If water restrictions are in place, you could always go all sporty and wear a headband and/or wrist bands (clean and dry) that have come from the freezer.
- Drink cool (but not icy cold) liquids to help lower your body temperature. The water cooler cooler station is perfect for this.
- Turn off electronics: If they’re not being used, unplug electronic devices to keep them from generating unnecessary heat.
At home:
- Chill your wrists: Run cold water over your wrists for 20 to 30 seconds every hour. Alternatively, put clean, dry head and wrist bands in the fridge or freezer and put them on after they’re chilled.
- Stay hydrated! Kids may not feel thirsty, but it’s essential to stay hydrated, so make sure young ones are getting lots of water. If you’re planning to leave the house, freeze some water bottles and take them with you.
- Drink cool (but not icy cold) liquids to help lower your body temperature.
- A little help from some fans: They may be little, but those battery-operated personal fans can make a big difference.
- Turn off electronics: If they’re not being used, unplug electronic devices to keep them from generating unnecessary heat.
- Stay downstairs: Downstairs areas tend to be cooler, but wherever you are in the house, remember to keep the room(s) well ventilated.
- Don’t cook: Eat fresh foods such as salads and fruit. Not only will this cool the body’s core, it’ll also keep cooking-related heat from filling up the house.
- Postpone the washing: Plan to do heat-generating activities after the sun goes down. Do the washing at night, for example.
All around:
- Shut windows, pull down the shades and use air-conditioning when it’s hotter outside. If there’s no aircon, make sure all rooms are well ventilated. If it’s safe to do so, open windows when it’s cooler.
- Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
- Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
- Opt for a cooler shower or bath.
- Drink cool drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice.
- Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the internet, radio and TV channels, or at the Met Office website.
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.
- Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
- Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat if you go outdoors and always keep a water bottle with you.
- Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
- People who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
- If you’re sweating a lot, be quick to replace lost salts and minerals as well as water. Fruit juice or sports drinks with electrolytes are good choices, but do not take salt tablets unless directed to by your doctor. Taking calcium supplements, however, is a good idea.
- Drink cool (but not icy cold) liquids to help lower your body temperature.
updated from a 2013 blog
by Fern Shaw | Jul 16, 2018 | Africa Trust, Christian Aid, Water, water cooler, Water Coolers
As the temperatures soar throughout the UK, so does the demand for chilled, refreshing drinking water.
At AquAid, where we’ve been in the business of providing a range of high quality water coolers and water both spring and bottled at source for over 20 years, we understand this more than most. That’s why it’s important to us to be able to ensure that we’re able to offer the very best in both water dispensers and bottled water.
But we’re not just about the provision on water coolers – we also firmly believe that providing water to those that may not necessarily have access to water as we do – is absolutely vital.
If we struggle with keeping hydrated in this heat, take a minute and imagine what it would be like experiencing hot weather but not having access, not only to drinking water, but any water, at all. Sadly, this is a reality for millions of people across the globe, and in particular, in many Third World countries.
Then, to this rather scary scenario, add this: If you want drinking water, you need to walk to find it. And not just down to the corner caf, but a few miles. If you’re lucky enough to find a water source, you can’t just buy a bottle of water (or any liquid for that matter); you have to fill the bucket that you brought with you and walk back home, carrying the now full bucket.
Not enough Bear Grylls for you? The water that you’ve just fetched is most likely not fresh, not clean and may be so full of bacteria, that even while trying to hydrate yourself, you may very well be making yourself ill without even realising it.
Remember, this is just water for you (and possibly, members of your family) to drink. This is not water that is needed to wash your clothes or your dishes or to water your meagre produce crop with. This is just water to drink to keep you going. This is basic human survival type of stuff.
This is the day to day existence for many communities throughout the Third World and in the summer months, lack of potable water is amplified by the heat.
That’s just one of the reasons, since our rather humble beginnings in 1998, that we chose to work with sustainable charities like the Africa Trust and Christian Aid. Using donations from AquAid, both charities work tirelessly implementing sustainable water projects for communities in need.
So, although we’re always tooting our own horn about being one of the top water cooler providers in the U.K. we also (truly) believe in helping others less fortunate to help themselves. So, while we have you to thank, most valued customer, for your support and through your purchases making it possible for others to help themselves; isn’t it rather nice to know that when you’re sipping cool spring water from one of our water coolers, there’s another water well or water project being installed in Africa, bringing fresh, clean drinking water to yet another community in need?
I think so. Good on yer. Toot toot!
by Fern Shaw | Jun 4, 2018 | aquaid, Water, Water Coolers
I’ve been reading through my notes for the blogs for this week and it all became a little overwhelming. So I let my brain head out West and the rest of me went to top up on the java.
Then my brain knocked politely, ‘Coo-ee, I’m back’ it warbled.
‘What?’ the coffee-enjoying-rest of me replied. ‘You come up with anything useful out West?’
A lengthy discussion ensued ….
Anyhow, as it turns out, the brain told me it got to thinking about all the other lesser (according to it) but just as vital (according to all of them) organs that we humanoids are blessed with and guess what? ALL OF THEM need sufficient water to keep the g-g-greased lightning performance.
Kidney and Liver Function
One of the liver’s primary functions is to metabolise stored fat into energy. The kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins, wastes, ingested water and salts out of the bloodstream. If you are dehydrated, the kidneys cannot function properly and the liver must work overtime to compensate. As a result, it metabolises less fat, your metabolism slows down to conserve water, which leads to weight gain and can contribute to belly fat.*
The Heart
Dehydration can cause insufficient oxygenation of the tissue of the cardiovascular system. The heart rate increases in response to the tissue oxygen deficit. Tachycardia, or a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute, occurs. Severe dehydration can trigger irregular heart rhythms, especially in people with an underlying heart condition.*
Command Central i.e. The Brain
Brain cells require the right amount of water and minerals in each of the cells. If there is too much water, the cell’s membrane can break; if there is not enough, the cell will shrivel up. When there is brain dehydration, less water is available for brain cells to use. *
Importance of Water
Almost two-thirds of the human body is made up of water and water acts as a natural appetite suppressant. It also helps to regulate your metabolism. When you become dehydrated, your metabolism slows down, affecting how your body burns fat. Your body mistakes thirst for hunger, which leads to increased calorie consumption. This can lead to stubborn fat gathering around your stomach, which is difficult to lose.*
Bearing all of this in mind, also remember that water weight is not the same as ‘blob’ weight, so whereas you may think that because your body is retaining water it means you’re gaining weight, this is not the case. Your body is desperately trying to tell you, by retaining water, that it doesn’t have enough to function properly.
There’s no need for concern though, indeed you can celebrate and revel in the fact that throughout the UK, clean, fresh drinking water transported from source to your office, school or site is readily available from AquAid through our range of water coolers. Drink up!
* sourced from an article at Livestrong
