A Clean Water Shortage Can Affect the Lives of Individuals and the Vitality of Entire Communities
THERE IS A CLEAN WATER SHORTAGE in many parts of the world.
Resources abound on the internet offering worldwide and country-specific statistics concerning the impact of clean water scarcity, parasites in well water,effects of drinking contaminated water, and their impact on individuals and communities.
If you search the web yourself you can easily find more stats and numbers than you'll know what to do with.
Just searching through the data available from the United Nations alone yields tons of useful information.
For this reason, I won't go into all the numbers, just a few statistical items of interest to give you an overall "Big Picture".
It is well established that
* 1 in 8 people worldwide live with inadequate drinking water.
* In 2006, 1.1 billion people lacked safe water. The U.N reports that now the number is down to 884 million.
These numbers come from the World Health Organization and the United Nations data concerning the Millenium Development Goals.
Statistics are abundant online and it is easy to find more of them at various websites. It is also easy to get overwhelmed by the size and scope of the problem.
Let not your heart be troubled!
THERE ARE ANSWERS! And, the purpose of this website is to present easy to understand information on water issues, water technology, and sustainable development. You will find links to many areas of interest in the menu on the left. In addition, each of those pages will contain links to more detailed information.
In the following links you will find further information on the issues and problems associated with the clean water shortage, such as water supply contamination, types of water contamination, waterborne diseases, and the effects of drinking water contamination.
Clean Water Shortage Around the World
For the past several years, we have heard about several situations around the world in which there have been issues with a clean water shortage. Indeed, although many of us are now trying to save water for our home and yard, other areas are just trying to make sure that they have enough. Still, others are trying to make sure they can live with the toxic water they have.
However, we can do something about it. The information in this infographic will show you important information about the clean water shortage in different parts of our world. But, you’ll also see what you can do to help alleviate the clean water shortage.
Cape Town
Let’s look at specific areas. One of the hardest hit - Cape Town - had a major drought between 2014 and 2018. As a result, their water reserves have decreased by 74 percent, and the problem is only getting worse. In fact, according to CNN, they could run out of water soon. In hopes of alleviating the problem, they are keeping showers to less than 90 seconds, and then recycling the bath water. In addition, unwashed hair is now a sign of social responsibility. The big drought, a growing population, and climate change have all contributed to the problem.
La Paz
Climate change has also affected La Paz, Bolivia. Melting glaciers, and droughts have forced residents to have strict water rations. In fact, the Ajuankota reservoir has decreased to one percent in capacity. According to pri.org, many residents are calling for authorities to pay more attention to this crisis.
Madrid
We often consider many parts of Spain to be prosperous. But, that’s not necessarily so. According to the infographic, it is believed that Spain’s poor water management has contributed to the clean water shortage. In fact, 75 percent of the country is in danger of becoming a desert.
Dhaka
Dhaka in Bangladesh, Asia now has high amounts of saltwater that have contaminated groundwater, and reservoirs. This makes the water undrinkable, and also destroys the farmland. By 2050, 17 percent of the area could be covered by rising sea levels, which would displace about 18 million people. According to The Daily Star, and Wasa sources, the problem is attributed to load shedding, groundwater reduction, and malfunction of deep tube wells.
Sandbranch
According to The Root, Sandbranch, Texas has been fighting for more clean water. However, between the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Dallas County officials, Sandbranch continues to go without clean running water. It has done so for over 30 years. The water was contaminated in the 1950s, and the Colorado River drying up has put access to water at risk.
Solutions
But, you can do something about it. By not wasting water, getting involved in the conversation, and advocating for clean water solutions, you can help alleviate the problem. Spreading the message of the problems, and solutions, could help others.
Info-Graphic Courtesy of Emma Wilson and Axeon Water Technologies
Emma Wilson has been an art teacher, a dog walker and a freelance writer. She has swam with sharks, lived in fours states, and decided to spend the next years by the ocean with her husband in Southern Florida after graduating from University of Florida in Gainesville. Loves everything related to home improvement, green living and home design, pets (she owns one pug and one boston terrier) and art.
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