We Need Water

Our Situation
Access to clean water isn’t really a problem for us. All we have to do is walk a grueling couple of steps to the fridge. And dare I say we first have to go to a cabinet and grab a mug. The horror is undeniable. Despite our sheltered lives with fridges, sinks, and masses of bottle water, access to clean water is a big problem. 
The Problem
Today 1 in 9 people don’t have access to clean water. That’s about 844 million people. Furthermore, 2.3 billion people don’t 
 have access to the technology to improve sanitization. These 
shocking statistics mean that many people around the world have to carry 40 pound jugs miles to clean water and back. Others are subject to the infectious diseases and parasites that reside in dirty water. Waterborne illnesses kill more than 1.6 million children each year. Sadly, every 2 minutes a child dies from a waterborne disease.
 


Worth It
This may seem like a far away problem to great to solve, but it really isn’t. The money needed to provide water and sanitation services pales in comparison to payoffs. In fact, for every one dollar invested there is an economic return between $3 and $34 dollars. Access to clean water contributes to improved health levels. There are reduced mortality rates, less physical injuries from long journeys to water, and even increased safety of women. The difficult journeys women have to take through remote and dangerous areas puts them at a greater risk of sexual violence. Furthermore, children are also often put in charge of getting clean water for their families. Something as simple as establishing a nearby well can drastically change a village for the better. 
Works Consulted 











Comments

Anonymous said…
Great topic and post. As you said the water crisis is extremely important, but things aren’t looking so dire. In fact the life straw company is attempting to remedy this issue: they sell and donate water filtration systems in forms of straws, large setups, or water bottles. Just recently the business gave over 1,600 schools and over 1 million kids access to clean water in kenya making a positive difference in the communities.
Source: https://www.lifestraw.com/pages/giving-back
February 5, 2019 at 7:45 AM
Anonymous said…
Water is arguably one of the most important factors of life. We can go days and even weeks without food, but we can barely last three days with no water. It simply isn’t enough to just drink unfiltered water and call it a day. Clean water is the key to health and longevity. We should look to others who don’t have the same quality of life that we do, and stretch a hand to those communities.
February 5, 2019 at 8:01 AM
Anonymous said…
I do agree that improving access to clean water to people residing in developing nations is essential in order to not only provide to people the basic necessity of water that many people in developed countries take for granted, but also by helping those nations ensure access to sanitized water lends to working towards developing a foundation for the infrastructure of those nations. By exploring the implementation of sanitation techniques in developing nations, the wellbeing of the people living in those nations would be improved as the death rates, especially in infants, would decrease and the government would be able to further solidify the foundation of the economic infrastructure. Not only, does cheap technology need to be implemented so that developing nations can actually afford the implementation of such sanitation techniques, but education regarding proper hand-washing techniques and how to prevent the spread of contamination needs to be imparted upon the people. Joshua Pearce, an associate professor at the Michigan Technological University, has revealed his method called SODIS, or Solar Water Disinfection, which he claims to be an inexpensive method of providing clean and healthy drinking water. SODIS uses heat and radiation to kill any harmful contaminants in the water, which involved simply filling a clear plastic bottle and setting in the sun for 6 hours. The problem to this method is that water is often contaminated with muddy sediment, which Pearce found that with Brittney Dawney, a student at Queen’s University, table salt worked well in removing the mud, which could be strained out. Thus, the SODIS method poses a viable, easy to use/implement, and cheap technique to sanitize drinking water. (Source: https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/ex/sustainablecitiescollective/simple-methods-may-help-bring-clean-water-developing-countries/149201/).
February 5, 2019 at 9:02 AM
Anonymous said…
It is interesting to see how something that we clearly take for granted is so essential and difficult for others to access. Contamination of water and the spread of water borne diseases can be fatal and it is horrifying how many people have suffered from these issues. It is very relieveing that there are efforts made to reduce the impact of unfiltered and contaminated water and reassuring how much of a difference every effort put into fixing this issue can make in the world. By simply making available cheap filtering technology and by following more hygienic practicies, several illnesses and diseases can be eliminated, significantly reducing mortality rates in less developed countries who are greatly affected by the lack of clean water to drink.
February 5, 2019 at 10:17 AM
Anonymous said…
It's quite revealing to see that clean water, a necessary resource that most of us take for granted, is not guaranteed to everybody in the world. Since the contamination of water affects hundreds of millions of people, it is surprising that people haven't yet found a way to solve this widespread issue. When comparing the economic, social, and general benefits of clean water to current situations, it is obvious that a conscious effort must be made to improve sanitation conditions throughout the globe. If we can help stop the spread of waterborne disease, prevent sexual violence, and boost the economy, ensuring the purification of water must be made a top priority in the world.
February 5, 2019 at 12:09 PM
Anonymous said…
It is shocking to realize how so many people don’t have access to water which we have complete access to. It is hard to imagine having to walk such lengths to acquire such a basic necessity. I think that it is essential that we don’t take water for granted and do all in our power to conserve it. We can be more conscious of how we use water, making sure not to waste it. I think that it is great that we can donate and help to share the access to water that we have.
February 5, 2019 at 12:19 PM
Anonymous said…
I am kind of surprised that more efforts to create clean water are not being made. As you said clean water is necessary for all humans to live. Thus we must think about how to create water that is clean do easily accessible. We see that there are many ways we can do this through the introduction of objects such as the lifestraw that can clean water in cases of emergencies. We also see that implementations of water purification systems could also help many areas in third world countries that need this new source of water.
February 5, 2019 at 1:02 PM
Anonymous said…
Because most of us have never experienced water shortage or problems concerning the purity of war, we tend to overlook this problem and fail to realize that many around the world are facing such problems. Water is at the core of sustainable development and is critical for socio-economic development, energy and food production, healthy ecosystems and for human survival itself. Water is also at the heart of adaptation to climate change, serving as the crucial link between the society and the environment. At the human level, water cannot be seen in isolation from sanitation. Together, they are vital for reducing the global burden of disease and improving the health, education and economic productivity of populations.
February 5, 2019 at 6:11 PM
Anonymous said…
It’s obscene that water, a commodity that seems to commonplace to people like us in developed nations, is an everyday struggle for those living in third-world countries. We often take for granted our proximity to clean water sources and accesss to advanced purifying technology, while many people around the globe face challenges simply providing this basic necessity to their families. Waterborne illnesses are a huge issue because they spread so fast among people and are quite difficult to keep contained. Water is essential to survival, so people will continue to use filthy water, even if they are aware of the viruses and bacteria culminating in it. It’s relieving to hear that even $1 donations can amount to a profit, which might encourage more people to take initiative on the issue and want to resolve it.
February 5, 2019 at 7:06 PM
Lauren Pan said…
Water pollution and contamination is indeed a very serious problem. In fact, water is uniquely vulnerable to pollution. Known as the universal solvent, water is able to dissolve more substances than any other liquid on earth. It’s the reason we have Kool-Aid and brilliant blue waterfalls. It’s also why water is so easily polluted. Toxic substances from farms, towns, and factories readily dissolve into and mix with it, causing water pollution. Thus, it is important that we try to limit our contribution towards water contamination. We can reduce plastic consumption, properly dispose of chemicals, maintain our cars, or consider landscaping that reduces runoff and avoid applying pesticides and herbicides. It is outrageous that other people are suffering from lack of clean water when we take it for granted and pollute so much of it.
February 5, 2019 at 8:32 PM
Anonymous said…
The contamination of water is a growing issue across the world. Although we often ignore our own water crises, many Americans face issues with contaminated water. For example, Flint, Michigan continues to have issues with water contamination. Thousands of the city's residents are forced to purchase their own water in bulk and need to use bottled water for their day-to-day activities. Even though these issues are common knowledge for most Americans, the current administration has not made any concrete steps to fix this growing crisis. Similarly to Flint, Michigan, developing nations lack financial and emotional support from their respective governments and foreign powers. Due to the problems associated with water contamination, it is critical that the US government and foreign powers recognize these issues and help end water contamination across the world.
February 6, 2019 at 2:10 PM
Anonymous said…
The pollution of the water is a huge deal in society and people take this water for granted. People don’t realize that having clean water is a privilege and they do not take into account the others that have harder access to this clean water. I found it shocking that this issue has not been solved even though water is one of the most important things for survival. People should focus on these issues because this would provide so much economic and social development in the world.
February 7, 2019 at 10:08 AM
Anonymous said…
It's unbelievable to think of a life without access to one of the basic human necessities, and yet millions go without it. Stats like the ones you gave are truly eye-opening and humbling in a country like America. Although we do have places like Flint, Michigan, for the most part water is completely taken for granted, as it should be everywhere on the earth. I can't say I do much in particular to help this problem, but my family did choose to use Amazon Smile's connection with the charity Water to try and help this problem in a slight way. I'd love to see water being taken advantage of everywhere in my lifetime.
February 10, 2019 at 12:10 PM
Anonymous said…
Water is essential to life, and I agree we should focus more on its sanitation and sustainability. It’s terrible to know that billions of people don’t have access to clean water, and millions of children die every year from waterborne disease. Considering the economic, environmental, and humanitarian benefits of investing into providing clean water, the world as a whole should contribute more.
February 10, 2019 at 9:50 PM
Anonymous said…
While I do believe the life straw company giving this water filtration to schools and kids in Kenya is a great step in the right direction, I disagree that things arent looking so dire consdiering there are over 800 million without a reliable source for water globally. Corporations and charities providing clean reliable sources of water for everyone in need of water is neccessarry to better the lives of these people without water. It is easy to take water for granted and I believe it is important we appreciate what we have as many are suffering without it.
February 11, 2019 at 5:43 PM
Anonymous said…
-Adam Ghanem
February 11, 2019 at 5:43 PM
Anonymous said…
The water crisis is a topic that isn't widely discussed, but has been a harrowing issue for as long as I can remember. I think that since this epidemic is occurring in places so far from our homes, we often overlook how devestating the problem really is. Water is essential. There's no way around that. There should be much more information spread about these statistics. The amount of people being impacted is far greater than it ever should be. Not to mention the sexual violence threats women face as they travel to retrieve safe drinking water. I think that fact will have a greater influence on people living in wealthier countries, especially with the rise of the "Me Too" movement.
February 11, 2019 at 7:06 PM
Anonymous said…
Water is essential to life, and I believe that we should focus more on its sanitation and bettering its conditions. Its what is most important . It is horrible and terrifying to know that billions of people don’t have access to clean water, and millions of children die every year from waterborne disease. Considering the economic, environmental, and humanitarian benefits of investing into providing clean water, the world as a whole should contribute to bettering its conditions. It is sad to know something that is considered a human necessity is not available to so many.
February 11, 2019 at 10:02 PM
Junia Lee said…
Water is a keen resource for our lives. Therefore, it is crucial to keep it clean and raise awareness of the conditions it is in now. Many people in this world do not have an adequate water source because of the pollution. If we do not take action now, it might be too late to counter act the consequences. We should reduce runoff, use less pesticides, carefully use car fuel, etc. In doing this, it would help the environment prosperous and will create a better water resource for the future generations.
February 11, 2019 at 10:15 PM
Anonymous said…
It's obvious that water is a key to our survival as a species. People can go weeks without food, but without water no one can survive for very long. Therefore, it is incredibly important that everyone has access to clean water. In America, we waste huge amounts of snaitary water. Everything from excessive use of tab water to the over watering of yards. This is all extremely frustrating to me. I agree it when it's literally raining outside and I see my neighbors sprinkler running. I think big issue is that large companies use sprinkler systems instead of a groundskeeper because it is more convenient and cheaper. Therefore, I think if we work on conservation at home we will see improvement internationally.
February 12, 2019 at 6:49 AM
Anonymous said…
There’s no doubt that water availability is a huge problem in today’s world. In America we are fortunate enough to have water available to us no matter where we are, but that’s not the same case with people all around the world. Furthermore, the fact that we can donate such minute amounts that would result is such large and impactful results is shocking. However, he truth is that we are partly to blame for the worsening of water conditions around the world. The United States emits an enormous amount of pollution and runoff that hurts water sources. We need to be more awaren of the long term affects of out actions and help take care of our environment in any way we can.
February 12, 2019 at 1:02 PM
Anonymous said…
Ironically, I was actually drinking water from my water bottle as I was reading through this post without even realizing. Not having such a luxury would be unimaginable to me, someone who has had easy access to clean water their entire life. This made me realize just how dire this issue was in the world. With the prevalence of various bacterias and microorganism in the drinking water out in poverished countries, this is a problem we must solve. As developed nations, we should strive to aid those who are not able to conveniently get clean water to make life easier for them.
February 12, 2019 at 1:06 PM
Anonymous said…
Water is one of the most essential resources in our life. In first world countries, many people don’t recognize how lucky that water is easily accessible and bountiful. In most countries, water is a dire resource, and many struggle to find enough for the day. We treat our water as disposable, and waste a lot of it. The US and other countries should donate money and fresh water to countries in need. We should also reduce our wastage, runoff, and pollution top help save the environment in the long run.
February 12, 2019 at 1:14 PM
Anonymous said…
Availability to clean water is the most important important problem in our world today. Water is essential for survival and humans can only last a few days without it. Before reading this article I wasn’t aware of how big of an issue this is. Big efforts need to be made to make clean water available for everyone throughout the world. We need to provide aid to those that do not have clean water to help take care of people and their environment.
February 12, 2019 at 1:14 PM
Mallory Odom said…
I think it's easy to forget that we are blessed with so many abundant resources that poorer countries don't have access to. Clean water is essential to survival and without taking precautions now, we will be unable to fix the major problem of water contamination later. Though it could be expensive, water is something we absolutely cannot live without, and we should pursue any means necessary to conserve and save our clean water.
February 12, 2019 at 4:15 PM
Anonymous said…
Because we are living in the United States of America, we do take water for granted. We are able to go to our kitchen or to any nearby water fountain and be sure that the water is safe to drink. It amazes me that some people have to work so much to get somewhat drinkable water. We, on the other hand, can get clean water by lifting a faucet.
February 12, 2019 at 6:33 PM
Anonymous said…
I think you make an incredibly important point that women are often placed at a disadvantage as they have to go out of their way to collect water. Another important point you make is that America has an abundant supply of water for its citizens so we tend to take it for granted. Overall. it is incredibly important that we support third world countries through infrastructure and financing so that their citizens can have access to water, too.
February 12, 2019 at 8:06 PM
Anonymous said…
Due to the fact that mainstream media only decides to focus on issues within the 1st world countries, people in such countries take water as a disposable resource. I think it is necessary for us people in 1st world countries to better understand the importance of clean water. It is unreal with the amount of work people in developing nations have to do just to get access to water that might not even be clean. I really like the idea of people donating money and resources to build water filtration systems and water sources in these 3rd world countries, I believe more attention should be put on these types of organizations.
February 12, 2019 at 9:27 PM
Caroline Tuggle said…
It honestly amazes me to see how so many people dont have access to such a basic need as clean water and yet not that many efforts are being made to change this... As someone who has grown up in Flower Mound, I’ve never personally had to worry about always having clean water, but reading statistics of just how many people around the world don’t receive clean water unless people volunteer or provide it to them by choice. I think that there should absolutely be more efforts made in providing clean water to those who dont have access to it, but as well as this I believe it is important to work towards creating ways that those who dont have access to clean water can filter and purify water that may be around them.
February 12, 2019 at 9:38 PM
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