Clean, accessible water is a fundamental human right, but across our region and our country, the struggle for equitable access to this essential resource continues. While we often take modern amenities for granted, history teaches us that the quest for clean public drinking water is neither new nor trivial. In this context, Rome's public fountains stand as a poignant example of what's possible when societies prioritize the well-being of their citizens.
In the heart of the Roman Empire, ancient engineers demonstrated a deep commitment to public welfare. Aqueducts delivered fresh, clean water from faraway springs, and ornate fountains dotted the city, offering respite and sustenance to its residents. Rome understood that a thriving society necessitates easy access to safe drinking water. Today, as we confront challenges surrounding clean water access, it's time for every community to heed the lessons of the past.
One might assume that in a modern, developed nation like the United States, access to clean water would be universal. Unfortunately, the reality is quite different. Communities across the country, particularly in impoverished areas, face the harsh consequences of water contamination, scarcity, and inequitable access. The ongoing crisis in Flint, Michigan, where lead contamination has harmed residents for years, is a glaring example of this neglect. But Flint is not an anomaly. It is a symptom of a broader issue that must be addressed nationwide and not every issue looks like Flint’s.
Locally, Manna distributes over 12 gallons of water per day. That is about 90 16-ounce bottles for around 400 people. Which is essential to their daily lives. However, 16 ounces of water only represents 24% of what the average human needs to consume in any given day. Additionally, it is not possible for Manna to simply "provide more water” on their already shoestring budgets and during heatwaves the need is impossible to meet. More to the point we, as a wider community, are relying on a nonprofit organization to provide water, something you cannot live for more than three days without, to the public if they are without access. That feels wrong.
Efforts to ensure clean water access are not merely a matter of compassion; they are integral to a just society. Access to clean water underpins health, education, and economic opportunities. Without it, individuals suffer, and communities stagnate.
Fortunately, momentum is building in the fight for clean water. Citizens, activists, and lawmakers are pushing for change, highlighting the urgent need to rectify this crisis. The recognition of water as a human right is gaining ground, and programs such as the Water Equity and Climate Resilience Caucus are dedicated to addressing issues of water access and equity at a national level.
However, on a local level we have a responsibility to act too. While Lansdale does have some water bottle filling stations in our parks, we should be looking to expand this access to a much wider capacity. To put a point on it, our goal should be that every person in our community has access to drinkable water, in a volume that meets their needs (around half a gallon), at any time. That means building more, many more, bottle filling stations across our community for people to use as they need them and not just in parks. Additionally, it will decrease the use of wasteful plastic while also costing less per ounce, providing higher efficiency and greater impact (metered water is much cheaper than bottled water).
The legacy of Rome's public fountains is a powerful symbol of what is possible when societies prioritize the well-being of their citizens – and they continue to flow today for all of Rome to use. By recognizing clean water as a fundamental right and acting to ensure equitable access for all, we can make sure that Lansdale lives up to its promise as a beacon of accessibility, progress, and equal opportunity. As we draw inspiration from the past, let us forge a future where no person is denied the life-sustaining gift of clean public drinking water.
(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert. The views expressed are his own and are not representative of North Penn Now or Lansdale Borough.)
See also:
Mayoral Musings: Preserving Lansdale’s History Via Historic District Zoning
Mayoral Musings: A ‘Sign’ of Opportunity for Downtown Lansdale
Mayoral Musings: Strengthen the Community by Supporting Fairmount Fire Company
