How is clean drinking water part of building belonging?

Water sustains every part of our lives — from drinking and cooking to cleaning, bathing, and growing food. Because water touches us all, access to safe and clean water is one of the most basic ways we build belonging. When some communities are denied this access, belonging is broken. Marginalized communities — including low-income families, Indigenous nations, and people of color — are often the first to face contaminated water, toxic waste sites, polluted air, and forced displacement. Think of Flint, Michigan, and the communities across Iowa where poor water quality continues to erode health, safety, and well-being.

As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm the interconnectedness of all things — including the water itself. The water belongs to us, and we belong to it. Building belonging means not only protecting the water that sustains us, but also standing in solidarity with those most impacted by environmental harm. To belong with one another is to share responsibility for clean, healthy water that nourishes every community.

In the coming months, our congregation will deepen this work by learning more about Iowa’s water quality and engaging in actions that can make a difference. Together, we’ll read The Swine Republic by Iowa author Chris Jones, whose voice has called attention to our state’s urgent water issues and the forces resisting change.

If you have wisdom, skills, or recommendations to share about how we can address water concerns, we invite you to be part of this circle of belonging. Please reach out to us at pcuusocialjustice@gmail.com.

by Marcia Swift, Chair of Social Justice