Heeeyho Readers! More updates from our little ranch!
Can we really measure how valuable water is?
In my understanding, the value of a good or service is subjective. That is, the value of freshwater for someone at the heart of the Amazon forest might differ from someone lost amidst the Saharan desert. Price, thus, is the judgment of value translated into monetary/barter figures. But can we value freshwater? Or better, are we evaluating water enough?
"Water covers about 71% of the earth's surface. 97% of the earth's water is found in the oceans (too salty for drinking, growing crops, and most industrial uses except cooling). 3% of the earth's water is fresh. 2.5% of the earth's fresh water is unavailable. 0.5% of the earth's water is available fresh water" — usbr.gov
0.5% of the earth's water is available fresh water
So, I'm sitting on the front porch watching trucks carrying freshwater 24-hours a day from a location a hundred kilometers away. I think to myself: "What's the cost of it? Why can't they explore the nearby aquifers?"
The water supply around here is a state monopoly. And yet again, news outlets are reporting the severity of this year's drought in southern Brazil — the largest of the last 17 years. It's been a scorching summer, no doubt. Although the region is blessed with streams and rivers, the state company prefers to drive water on trucks. Who can understand? I try not to burn neurons thinking about the absurdity as I look back to the property and, as the long-awaited rain gives a break, decide to check our water sources inside the property.
Between the neighbor and us runs a stream whose source begins somewhere. Then, the water is trapped in a pond and overflows over a 2-meter-high stone dam. The pond never dries out.
Pond
The oxygenating plants have grown considerably since the last time I visited the pond and are now covering the whole surface. Bad for fishing; great for keeping the water clean. The pump house on the right supplies water for free to a nearby fruit-processing factory. It's an agreement to help the city's small economy.
Stone dam
Taking the dogs for a walk
We could only afford the front half portion of 22 hectares of land. The 11 hectares encompassing the dam still belong to the previous owner. Although we have free access to walk and fish, I can't intervene without the neighbor's consent (unless I get crypto-rich and able to buy the rest of the property.) If that day ever comes, I'd love to install a small-scale hydroelectric generator, since future plans include building an A-frame cabin near the stream.
Anyways. Despite the drought, the two days of rain were enough to overflow the dam again, which is awesome. From there, I continue walking amidst the ciliary forest. The dogs sniff something; an armadillo burrow most likely.
Stream after the dam
These rocks were coverd in water during the rain
The other day I ran across a wild cat of sorts inside the native forest. Thank God the dogs missed it; otherwise, we'd have problems. I continue sloshing the boots up the muddy bank. The forest is well-preserved, and our trails are naturally sculpted by the cattle. Nobody's gonna touch the flora around here. All sorts of birds scurry from tree to tree. Momma Jacu is angry, maybe the nest is just above my head.
Jacu is the brazilian bird that is used to produce a super expensive poop coffee, in case you are wondering.
Uff, fresh air
Sub-tropical forests are dense, often humid, filled with insects, and dazzling. I cross a grass field to enter the forest again on the other side. I'm looking for another stream to see how's the water level. There are native tangerine trees somewhere; they only bear fruit during the winter though.
Something walked in here
Anybody knows a good night vision camera? I always wonder what kind of animals wanter at night. The adjacent creek meander around the rocks. It's not as potent as the main creek, but it's a valuable secondary water source. We gotta have the water company test a sample to see if it's drinkable; they've said our well produces mineral water, so chances are high the stream is fresh too.
Stream after the dam
These rocks were coverd in water during the rain
Back home, I realize how privileged we are. Given the statistics, it's almost a weird flex to say we have plenty of freshwater at home. It also serves as a testament to reinforce the importance of preserving our little ranch and allowing cattle where cattle is due, without deforesting to open more space.
Perhaps this is the legacy of cryptocurrencies: Enrichen more libertarians who value land as one of the most important assets cryptocurrencies could purchase.
Less Lambos; more Landos.
Peace.
Did you know that I have a book out? Check this!
Access Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/6500272773?
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~Love ya all,
Disclaimer: The author of this post is a convict broke backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking and more than 5.000 km cycling. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.
