Earth Day Sunday 2003: Waters of Life: Enough for All Education, Advocacy, and Teaching
By Carolynn B. Race

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2)

In the beginning, there was water. Now, in the 21st century, water is still integral to our lives and our creation. However, the availability of this fundamental resource is diminishing. As Time Magazine noted in a special environmental issue, “For a world that is 70% water, things are drying up fast. Only 2.5% of water is fresh, and only a fraction of that is accessible” (8/26/02, A10). The United Nations noted that 1 in 6 people lack regular access to safe drinking water – and that 41,000 children die every day due to a lack of safe drinking water.

Water is indeed essential for humanity – and for everything in creation. What can we do to ensure that we have enough clean and fresh water for ourselves, for future generations, and for all of creation?

The theme of this year’s Earth Day Sunday, April 27, 2003, is “Waters of Life: Enough for All.” The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Working Group, of which the Presbyterian Church (USA) is a member, has developed materials to encourage congregations to study and reflect upon the issues of water and sustainability and to incorporate those reflections into worship on April 27th and throughout the year. The resources are available online here, or can be ordered by contacting the PC(USA) Environmental Justice Office at (888) 728-7228, x5811. The purpose of Earth Day Sunday is to celebrate God's marvelous creation from a Christian perspective.

Below, please find five ways in which we can work toward the goal of providing the water of life for all.

Study and Reflect
In order to become (or to continue) to advocate for the goal of “Water of Life: Enough for All,” it is essential to learn about water and reflect on the impact of water scarcity, polluted water, consumption patterns, and fresh water on all of creation.

Consider the following facts, from the United Nations Environmental Program, when embarking upon study and reflection:

Fresh water comprises about 2.5 percent of the world’s total volume of water. Most of that amount is in the form of ice or snow and lies deep in underground aquifers or is in remote locations. Less than one percent of the world’s freshwater is readily available for human use.
Annually, water pollution affects the health of about 1.2 billion people and contributes to the deaths of 15 million children under age five.
Freshwater consumption increased six fold between 1990 and 1995 – at more than twice the rate of population growth.

Want to learn more? Find further key facts and resources here, or by contacting the PC(USA) Washington Office at (202) 543-1126.

Pray
Seek guidance and counsel from God, by praying individually and collectively that the water of life be available to all. A responsive prayer and call to worship for Earth Day Sunday are also available on the website mentioned above.

Conserve
How can we, as Presbyterians, work to conserve precious water resources? When you turn on your faucet, flush the toilet, do laundry, or turn on your sprinkler system, consider the amount of water you are using. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes on its website, “There are many ways to use water efficiently in the home -- detecting and fixing leaky faucets, installing high efficiency clothes washers and toilets, and watering the lawn and garden with the minimum amount of water needed. Fixing a silent toilet leak may save as much as 500 gallons per day. Installing high efficiency plumbing fixtures and appliances can help a typical family of four reduce indoor water use by one-third, save about $95 per year on their water and sewer bill, and cut energy use by as much as six percent.”

Teach and Preach
Having studied, reflected, prayed, and conserved, share your knowledge with others in your congregation by leading a Sunday school class, offering a sermon (sermon starters and bulletin inserts are available online at http://www.pcusa.org/environment/earthday or by calling the PC(USA) Environmental Justice Office), or sharing what you’ve learned with others – at coffee hour or a church supper.

Advocate
What can individuals and congregations do to ensure that fresh water is available for all? Advocate. Check out what your city and state are doing regarding water issues – and get involved.

At the national level, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and in Congress are debating the scope of the Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act, enacted 30 years ago, has been vital to improving the waters of the United States. This January, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued guidelines that would dramatically reduce the scope of the Clean Water Act. Responding to a 2001 Supreme Court ruling on isolated wetlands (Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v. US Army Corps of Engineers), the EPA announced a plan to proceed with a rulemaking that would redefine the "waters of the United States" and remove tens of millions of acres of wetlands and other waterways from Clean Water Act protection. Congress has also become involved in this debate – responding to the proposed rulemaking of the EPA. On February 27th, Senators Feingold (D-WI), Jeffords (I-VT), and Boxer (D-CA), along with Representatives Oberstar (D-MN), Dingall (D-MI), Leach (R-IA), Boehlert (R-NY) and other members of the House of Representatives introduced The Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2003 (H.R. 962 and S. 473). The legislation will ensure that federal protection is maintained for all U.S. waters.

Meanwhile, the Administration is currently soliciting comments on this proposal to help them as they work through their rulemaking process. In particular, they are interested in public comment on issues associated with the definition of "waters in the United States." Comments in response to this proposal had been due by March 3rd, 2003, BUT THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 16, 2003.

Write to EPA Administrator Christie Whitman and share your concerns that restricting the definition of "waters of the United States" in the Clean Water Act could limit the protection of waterways that are integral to God's creation.

Sample Letter (either use this letter, or log onto our new Presby Legislative Action Center, http://capwiz.com/pcusa/home/ and send an e-mail directly to Administrator Whitman)

The Honorable Christie Whitman
Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Mail Code 3213A
Washington, DC 20460

Attention: Docket ID #OW-2002-0050

Dear Administrator Whitman,

As a Presbyterian, I am concerned that we work to protect all of God's creation for future generations. As water is a source of life, protecting it is essential for the future of creation.

I am writing to express my concern that the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to redefine the "waters of the United States" could weaken Clean Water Act protections.

As you work with colleagues in the EPA to develop any new definition of "waters of the United States," I ask that you acknowledge the interconnectedness of all waters, strengthen existing protections and resist efforts to narrow the scope of the Clean Water Act.

Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME)
(YOUR CITY, YOUR STATE)

GA Policy:

(Minutes, 1990, p. 664-5) from “Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice,” A Report adopted by the 202nd General Assembly:

Therefore, the 202nd General Assembly (1990) recommends:

Implementation of Policies in Support of Water Quality:
The vigorous protection of remaining wetlands through the enforcement of existing laws.

Increased funding for the conversion of municipal sewage plants that provide only primary treatment to facilities that provide secondary treatment, and for the elimination of combined sewer systems and storm runoff in urban areas.
Tighter restrictions on point sources of water pollution and illegal dumping.
Increased efforts to address the problem of pollution from urban and rural runoff.

Research on methods of preventing and controlling ground water contamination.

Consistent application of national water standards.
Continued study and greater control of acid rain and airborne contaminants that enter surface water, in coordination with air quality authorities.
Increased federal funding for national estuary planning and action.
The upgrading of municipal water systems.

Implementation of Policies in Support of Wildlife and Wildlands (selected) (P. 666 1990 minutes)
1. Protect wetlands, showing special concern for critical environments that support internationally migratory wildlife.