President’s bulletin: March 2024

World Water Day

Living and working as an EHP all my life in Wales has given me a great understanding of water, in all its forms. Water is coming to the fore not just in the UK but across the world. EHPs have been involved with water since the formation of the CIEH in 1883. In the 19th Century safe drinking water was not the norm. Dr John Snow and the Broad Street Pump is the exemplar of early modern epidemiology dealing in 1854 with an unfit water supply. The first public drinking water fountain became operational in Holborn in 1859 and some 40 years later over 500 had been installed in London. Today "water refilling stations" are the norm. The 19th Century iron workers of Merthyr Tudful slated their thirst by downing four or five pints of mild ale after their shift as the water supply was unfit to drink. Unfortunately, I cannot follow that example as tap water in the UK is now very safe.

The United Nations World Water Day held every year on 22nd March has never had greater significance. Water inequality and stress are becoming increasing topics of concern. Even in the UK some areas are already under water stress. Water is needed to survive and a necessity for food production. 70% of the world's surface is water however just 1% of global freshwater is available as an "easily” sourced supply from rainfall as well as freshwater reservoirs including rivers and lakes. The UN calls "water the essence of peace". This is not surprising as sadly future wars maybe fought over water, not oil.

EHPs have been paramount in ensuring a safe, clean, wholesome drinking water supply in the UK and across the world. EHPs lead on private water supplies and bathing waters. They have also been instrumental in ensuring safe disposal of waste water and the high quality of water courses, the conditions of which are now in the media on a daily basis. We have arrived full circle from the great stink of the Thames in 1858. The knowledge and skills of EHPs are paramount in continuing to ensure a safe water supply, dealing with waste water and the quality of water courses. We need to amplify, publicise and broadcast our environmental and public health continuing involvement in protecting this essential to life liquid.

Workforce Satellite Panel

The second Workforce Satellite Panel meeting took place on 26th March. CIEH and I are indebted to the panel for their contributions and work input. The panel supports the President's theme of EH capacity and capability.

The objectives of the panel are:

• To assess the current and future challenges facing the environmental health workforce.
• To produce policy reports and briefs that provide actionable recommendations for addressing these challenges.
• To raise awareness among policymakers and stakeholders of the critical importance of the environmental health profession and the urgent need for action.

Four policy briefs will be released throughout the year, focusing on specific challenges and opportunities. A comprehensive policy report will be delivered within the first 100 days following the establishment of a new government, assuming a general election is held towards the end of this year.

Board meeting and talking to members

The last online Board meeting took place on 14th March which I attended. Much progress is being made and the Chair will update members in her blog.

I met online the Chair of the Membership Learning and the Profession Advisory Group, Zena Lynch and we had a useful free ranging discussion. I have regular meetings with the Executive Director of Environmental Health, Louise Hosking, which allows us to focus on the important and sometimes urgent issues arising.

I have had various communications from members and have replied to all. Thanks to these members for taking the time to do this.

Please do contact me at [email protected] with comments, concerns, suggestions and hopefully praise on occasion.