Water Water Everywhere

Water surrounds the islands, fills coves and inlets, and is deep enough in the harbour for ocean cruise or container ships to constantly be bringing people and frieght. Ferry boats ply various routes with commuters and tourists. White sails from sailboats dot the blue water, especially on weekends or celebration days.

The famed pink sands evolved from the coral reefs that lie off-shore, sometimes in rows, enriching the sealife. Divers can see that underwater life, or xplore the many wrecks that ring the islands. These coral reefs have NOT been friendly to sailing ships over the span of time!

There are frequent rainshowers, and sometimes rain storms. A few natural fresh-water wells dot the island. But the source of drinking water is much more unique.

Look at any photo of the buildings here and you'll see a Bermudian architectural feature, white rooftops that have a step-like or corrugated pattern. These are a kind of tile roof placed onto wooden beam frames and covered over with a layer of something like cement. Then the rooftops, ALL OF THEM, are painted in a non-toxic whitewash.

When it rains, the water trickles from the top of the roof down to a pipe that carries it to an underground or basement tank. All homes and most buildings have a water collection tank. An electric pump brings water up to the faucet as needed. This has been a Bermudian architectural and cultural tradition for ... generations, I'm sure. The tanks have a low pooling area where sediment gathers so it isn't pumped.

Rainstorms gather and form over the ocean, and may travel hundreds of miles. This is a clean fresh source of water. The water is very soft and readily suds if washing hands or dishes or such. It is pleasant to drink and doesn't really need filtering because the natural miles and miles of ocean evaporation and condensation have been there own filteration.

Water, water, everywhere ... and plenty for you to have a drink!