The Magic of Water

In Boston over the weekend a main water pipe burst causing 8 million gallons of water to leak every hour. The water is flowing into the river, which is good since we don't have to worry about another flood, but the water is unsanitary and a water emergency has been issued for millions of people in Massachusetts. Within a matter of hours stores were sold out of water and people waited up to 3 hours to get a hold of it. One store was busted for selling a $16 case of water, trying to take advantage of the situation. The National Guard is helping out, delivering free water to those who need it most. The water isn't expected to get back to normal for at least another two days. In the meantime it is sheer panic across the city right now.

Where this news isn't particularly earth shattering for the rest of the country, to the people of Boston, it's like the apocalypse. It's funny how you don't realize how much you need something until it's gone. Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts have stopped selling coffee (something I never thought I would see, especially in the city!) and restaurants are limiting their menus. I just overheard a cluster of women all excited since they found a coffee shop down the street that had one expresso machine brewing coffee using boiled water. The news traveled through the office and soon the place cleared out, all heading to this poor little shop not knowing what they are going to get hit with. The sinks are covered in plastic and coffee and ice machines are turned off. The simplest actions have now turned into chores such as washing hands, brushing teeth, cooking, showering...etc. My mother's dentist appointment was cancelled since they needed water during the procedure. It's funny how we take advantage of the commodities we always assume will be there but never really realize that it potentially could be taken away. I think it's cool to get a glimpse to life in earlier years where you had to boil your water or even drink it dirty. I am fortunate to have access to clean water 365 days a year, I turn on the faucet and without fail, it appears...pretty sweet. Maybe this will be a good wake up call for those who overuse our water and will think twice about showering 4 times a day.