Spring/Summer 2006 • Vol. 2 No.1
I am pleased to report that the IPWR inaugural scientific conference, Water Contamination Events: Communication with Consumers, convened in Houston, January 30-31, 2006, was a tremendous success! Speakers and participants representing sixteen states and seven countries were in attendance and engaged in stimulating discussions around the questions of the most effective processes for communication with consumers.
The challenges posed by recent natural disasters, including the tsunami in coastal Asia and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, were examined in substantial detail. It was clear that the processes and procedures for reaching consumers during severe water disruption events range from the detailed and tested to the haphazard. Many jurisdictions and municipalities remain unprepared for catastrophic events and do not have defined plans for reaching consumers when, for example, the power is disrupted for extended periods. Public health world wide will benefit from better clarified and tested procedures for reaching consumers during water contamination events.
After the two days of presentations considering the communications issues in a variety of settings (i.e., small to medium systems, community managed systems, "marginalized" communities, and during severe to catastrophic events), the speakers were divided in groups for a closed, consensus session. The questions posed were: (1) effective communication strategies in acute water contamination events and (2) risk assessment for acute water contamination events. The plans for publishing the papers from the sessions, as well as the ‘white papers’ from the consensus meeting, are under development. IPWR is in discussions with a well respected scientific journal about the process of publication. Please check the "President’s Page" for periodic updates on the progress of the next phases of work.
Finally, we would like to, again, thank the American Water Works Association and the Golden State Water Company for their generous co-sponsorship of the conference.
As discussed in my last column, IPWR solicited applications for the IPWR Fellow Award and the Research Grant: Investigator in the late fall 2005. We are pleased to announce that 36 applications were received from investigators around the world! The applications will be reviewed by external scientific and technical experts during April and May, with final funding decisions to be made by the Executive Board of Directors in its meeting in early June. The successful applicants will be announced no later than June 30, 2006. It is expected that there will be many more high quality applications than IPWR can fund, and we will, therefore, be seeking partnerships with other organizations to award additional grants. Thank you to all of the scientists who submitted an application to this initial funding round. And, a special thank you to all of the scientists who agreed to review the applications for IPWR.
I regret to announce that that Professor Pierre Payment has resigned as Chair of the Health and Scientific Advisory Board (HSAB) for personal reasons. As a senior and internationally respected investigator, Professor Payment brought a wealth of information and experience to the decisions around the development of IPWR. His leadership, insight and practical approach will be sorely missed. While his resignation is effective immediately, Professor Payment will be available to IPWR to provide advice and consultation by email or telephone as conditions permit.
The IPWR is fortunate to have a strong Health and Scientific Advisory Board, and Timothy Gilbertson, Ph.D., Vice Chair HSAB, has assumed the responsibilities as Chair. Vincent R. Nathan, Ph.D., MPH, has graciously agreed to support Dr. Gilbertson by taking on the role of Vice Chair, and in that position, joins the Executive Board of Directors. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our Executive Board of Directors and Health and Scientific Advisory Board members.
Best regards,
Jennie Ward Robinson, Ph.D.
Dear Dr. Water
Dear Dr. Water, My kids will start a summer play school for 4 and 5 year olds in June. They will have a lot of outdoor physical activities as well as programs on the basics of reading and arithmetic, plus some art and music classes each week. I am a bit concerned because of the amount of fluid they will need to drink in view of the summer temperatures down here and wondered if you could give me some information about water and how kids learn. Thank you for your help. A mom in Florida. |
Dear Mom in Florida:
What a great question! There is increasing concern about the fluids children consume and the long term impact upon their health, particularly as it relates to weight gain. This concern is evidenced by the removal of soda machines from schools in an effort to reduce the amount of sugar based drinks consumed by children. However, your question raises several additional issues about proper hydration during physical exertion, as well as hydration and its effect on concentration, memory and learning.
Water UK,
an organization working on behalf of the water industry in the United
Kingdom, has some of the clearest statements on drinking water and its
link to better health. Water UK states:
• Drinking adequate amounts of water regularly throughout the day can
protect health and contribute to well-being.
•
Water has none of the health problems associated with drinks containing
sugar, additives, sweeteners, acids or caffeine.
Water UK
goes on to address: How does drinking water improve learning?
•
The key to boosting the capacity to learn is to keep well hydrated throughout
the day.
•
When we are thirsty, mental performance deteriorates by 10%.
•
Pupils concentrate better because they are not distracted by the effects
of dehydration, such as thirst, tiredness and irritability.
•
Can aid behavior management by helping to settle pupils in the classroom.
Children will achieve more when both their health and learning needs are met. Ensuring free access to water and promoting a regular water intake throughout the school day is a vital role for schools in promoting health and providing a healthy learning environment. These messages are distributed by a campaign 'Water is Cool in School'™ at www.water.org.uk.
Clearly, your concern is well placed. It is important to ensure that there is ready access to drinking water for your kids during the entire day they are at the play school. And, that there is encouragement from the teachers and other responsible adults for the kids to take time to have a big drink frequently and regularly. It might be a good idea to speak with the officials operating the summer play school to be certain that they are aware of your concerns, and of the health benefits to their students.
Hope your kids have a great, healthy summer. And, drink water for good health.
Best wishes,
Dr. Water
Do you have a question about drinking water? Where it comes from? How it is cleaned? Why does it smell like chlorine? How much do you need to drink every day? Or, where to find information about your drinking water? "Dear Dr. Water" can help you. Send your question to dr.water@ipwr.org. Selected inquiries will be answered in the next issue of At Your Tap.