Protecting Clean Water

In the future, water shortages will be likely for most people on the planet within the next ten years. We are currently destroying our drinking water sources without knowing it.

Fresh, clean water is a limited resource. Most of the Earth is covered with water, but our main source of water comes from rivers and lakes. The ocean is filled with saltwater and it is expensive to separate the salt and the water. 

We rely on rivers and lakes for water consumption. Half of the world’s most important rivers are being depleted and polluted. 40 percent of the rivers in the United States are polluted even for fishing and swimming.

Forests, grasslands, and wetlands play a significant role in preventing pollution. They stop erosion and pollution from entering our waters. They send water into underground supplies.

It is our duty to conserve water. This starts with taking personal responsibility for our actions. Simply throwing thrash into a river polluting water is irresponsible.                                            

Water conservation reduces energy use and can even save households money. The less water a household use, the less money they would have to pay in the region or city.

Luxury activities like showers, washing machines, and dishwashers use a lot of energy.

In America, we look at water consumption as an entitled good. In other parts of the world like Africa, agriculture is predominantly rain fed, farmers access to water is limited based on time. Some countries go through severe droughts and dry seasons. Some countries lack the economic investments in water resources. Water is necessary for all humans to survive. Some of us have access to water and take it for granted.

In America, we take the little things for granted. Many of us can walk into a store and buy a bottle of water, an excessive amount. There are many people who do not have this luxury. Billions of people are affected by the water crisis.

In Afghanistan only 13 percent of the country has clean drinking water available. Some areas are physically scarce of water, but majority of the population is affected by lack of safe access to clean water. Ethiopia is also in need of water, only 11 percent has access to clean water. 

The lack of water contributes to health problems and a lack of education. A country such as Haiti is still recovering from the 2010 earthquake that killed an estimated 316,000 people and devastated many buildings and residences. Lack of water treatment facilities are contributing to Haiti’s water crisis.

 Being more responsible with water can save our planet for the long-term. Americans have to take personal responsibility for these privileges. The planet is in desperate need of preservation.