During a canoe trip through the Canadian Arctic, Li An Phoa discovered she could drink directly from the river. In 2005, she canoed the full length of the Rupert River in Canada, drinking water straight from the river along the way. However, when she returned three years later, the Rupert was polluted due to dams and mining, causing fish to die and people to fall ill. The delicate balance of the ecosystem was destroyed. This experience stayed with her, making her realize that drinkable rivers are indicators of healthy living and prospering societies. A vision that we at Join For Water support and witness across the world: healthy rivers are the basis for healthy watersheds and water resources.
Drinkable Rivers
In the past decade, Li An has been drawing attention to the importance of drinkable rivers. When we can drink from our rivers, it signifies that the entire ecosystem is healthy and in balance. She even proposes using drinkable rivers as a guiding principle for thriving societies instead of economically driven indicators such as GDP. This is not such a strange idea. Historically, almost all substantial and wealthy cities were located near rivers. The link between economic wealth and river ecosystem quality is clear. Rivers provide numerous benefits to people and society, including water supply and cultural heritage. Rivers also play a vital role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Healthy rivers and their ecosystems can absorb and store carbon, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They also act as natural buffers against extreme weather events, helping communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. Drinkable rivers are therefore also beneficial for biodiversity and climate regulation.
Through her organization, “Drinkable Rivers,” Li An and her team work to raise awareness and mobilize citizens, politicians, industries, schools, children, and farmers to act for drinkable rivers. They achieve this through three main initiatives: river walks, citizen science, and action communities.
From source to estuary
First, river walks are organised that start from the source and end at the river’s mouth. Over the past decade, Li An has walked more than 20,000 kilometers in pursuit of a world with drinkable rivers. Recently, she walked the Danube (2024), Berkel (2024), Thames (2023), Vechte (2023), Dommel (2023), Kleine Nete (2023), Ijsel (2021), Ijsmeer (2021), Amstel (2019), and Meuse (2018).
Second, Drinkable Rivers runs an ambitious Citizen Science program that enables people to experience and monitor the health of their rivers. Currently, 80 organizations in 24 countries have joined their Citizen Science program, known as ‘hubs.’ These hubs are run by enthusiastic individuals who mobilize volunteers to participate. Most hubs are part of local environmental organizations, schools, visitor centers, or companies. Each hub supports the mission of Drinkable Rivers, applies the same methodology, and shares their findings on the data platform.
Finally, communities are inspired to take action for drinkable rivers. Led by motivated citizens, tools are developed and implemented to enable concrete actions to protect and restore rivers in their environment.
Join For Water for a drinkable Scheldt
This year, Join For Water is thrilled to support Li An in her inspiring journey along the Scheldt River. From its source in northern France to its mouth in the Netherlands, Li An decided to walk 360 kilometers, starting on April 22 (Earth Day) and arriving at the North Sea on May 23.
This walk is more than just a physical journey; it’s an opportunity for local communities to showcase their efforts and connect with the international network along the Scheldt. The primary goal is to raise awareness and build a broad network to stimulate concrete action for a healthy Scheldt. Anyone who cares about rivers is invited to join the walk.
As Li An travels, she delves into the significance of the Scheldt for the people living along its banks and explore how we can support actions for a healthier river. To enable meaningful conversations about the Scheldt, Li An stays with local residents who open their homes to her. People can join her by registering or simply showing up at the designated meeting points listed on the webpage (see below). In addition to the walk, Li An engages with school children in daily citizen science activities to monitor the water quality of the Scheldt. These findings will provide a baseline measurement of the river’s health from source to sea, with all data recorded at data.drinkablerivers.org.
‘Rivers are more than waterways; they are lifelines that interweave ecosystems, cultures and the future. A thriving river testifies to our respect for nature and our commitment to future generations, which is why I support the Potable Scheldt.’ – Tom D’Haeyer (Irrawaddy, organiser Flemish part of the walk)
Unrealistic dream or ambitious goal?
Some readers might question whether it is realistic to drink from rivers, especially highly polluted ones like the Scheldt, which is contaminated with substances like PFAS. The Scheldt is one of the most exploited rivers in the world, making it challenging to envision drinkable rivers within 30 years. However, setting ambitious goals is crucial. Every inhabitant of this planet—whether they live in a mangrove forest or a desert—is part of a watershed and would benefit from drinkable rivers. The same applies to the salmon, otter, and willow tree, who all depend on the water from their river. Drinkable rivers represent more than just clean water; they are indicators of the health of an entire watershed and the communities that depend on its ecosystems.
Want to know more?
Drinkable river: how the river became my teacher
In this book, a rich tapestry of travelogue, memoirs, reportage, philosophical musings, and poetry, Li An Phoa takes the reader on her adventures along rivers on four continents. On foot, she covers over 15,000 kilometers and experiences the deep interconnectedness of all living things. She encounters bears, rattlesnakes, and dragonflies, and speaks with farmers, writers, and ecologists. With her original perspective and disarming approach, she continuously asks the question: how can our rivers become drinkable again?
Become a scout or a citizen scientist
Do you want to join Drinkable River’s Citizen Science programme? You can join a hub or start and create your own hub. Would you like to get more information? Here is an overview with the FAQs.