I do feel a strong connection to the Kuils River because of what I’ve learnt from it. Doing research helped me slow down and notice relationships. It’s more than just H2O, more than components; there are multiple relationships formed by this river, and multiple histories entangled in this river.

I guess I’ve always known about the outfalls. I know we pump sewage into the sea. But, like everyone else, I always assumed it was treated first and that it was safe going into the sea.

My vision for a healthy water system is one that gestates life and allows life to thrive, not just survive.

Even if you never have the chance to see or touch the ocean, the ocean touches you with every breath you take, every drop of water you drink, every bite you consume. Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea.

Water connects us all — either freshwater or marine water. Whatever we put into water comes back to us one way or the other in so many forms. We have to guard our water jealously because water is life itself.

Worldwide, wastewater treatment is failing. … As a result the majority of wastewaters, septage and faecal sludges are discharged without any form of treatment into the environment … spreading disease to humans and damaging key ecosystems such as coral reefs and fisheries. This is becoming increasingly a global problem as urban populations are projected to nearly double in the next 40 years … already most cities lack adequate wastewater management due to aging, absent or inadequate sewage infrastructure.

With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live. Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere is generated by the sea.