Acorn

Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: Life & Arts

Media Credit: flowthefilm.com

Cancer, birth defects, viruses, decreases in fertility and many other health issues are commonly associated with unhealthy social acts such as smoking or drinking alcohol. The majority of the population does not realize that the same health issues are all caused by simply drinking water. Irena Salina's award-winning documentary "FLOW" was shown at Drew University for students and the public last Saturday morning. The showing was the New Jersey premiere of the film.

"FLOW," an acronym for "For the Love of Water," focuses on the growing privatization of the world's supply of water, which is dwindling. The film begins with a powerful quote-"Thousands live without love, none without water." Much of the world's population does not understand where their water comes from or what is biologically in their water. People, especially in the U.S., believe that the government regulates and protects the water they drink. However, many don't realize that when you drink water from a tap or a bottle, you are actually drinking impurities like pathogens, bugs, viruses, industrial chemicals, pesticides and even rocket fuels. Impurities being consumed are changing the chemistry in human bodies and making people sick. Although no students came to the screening, Dan Sorenson ('09) said, "Water should be owned and bottled because you can't always count on the government to provide clean water." It would cost water bottling companies $30 billion a year to provide safe, clean water.

The film raises the question of who owns water. According to the film, privatization of water is becoming a huge problem in the world. Not only is it causing a false sense of security among wealthier countries, where water is seemingly abundant, it is also causing major illnesses all over the world. Companies like Nestlé and Coca-Cola are in the water industry and are taking water away from citizens of more poverty-stricken countries. According to the film, Nestlé continues to pump water during drought seasons, when water is particularly scarce. Coca-Cola even moved into India and took citizens' land.

John Finiello ('11) said, "In an ideal world, water would be free, but I'm a fan of using a water filter and city water. It's a better idea to use [city water] because it belongs to you. Your water bill covers purification and the cost to ship the water to your house."

"You can't own the Earth," Caitlin Weingarten ('12) said. "You need water to live and big businesses should stop moving in on every resource we have."

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