Water Availability
Concern over the declining availability of safe drinking water has become a major source of debate over the past several years. Many scientists and environmental advocates argue that if proper measures are not taken immediately, the worlds safe water supply will reach a dangerous low - to a point that many will deem “too late.” Whereas this is generally considered to be a global problem, anxieties focus primarily in Third World regions where water supplies and water technologies are at a minimum. The 21st century brings with it the challenge of meeting the increasing demands of an increasing population and an ever-decreasing reserve of safe drinking water. ... “Only 21% of [Third World] populations have access to safe drinking water, and just 39% to sanitation facilities, which are the main factors behind the high child mortality rate of 111 per thousand live births” (Eco-List, 5 Sep 2001). ... As such, available water takes precedence over any apprehensions as to the water’s cleanliness. Generally ignorant to the concept and function of contagion, excreta management, and hygiene, these populations are defenseless against their already poor water supply and sanitation systems. This educational deficiency has a significant impact on the future availability of safe water. According to the World Health Organization, “the simple act of washing hands with soap and water can reduce diarrheal disease by one-third. Hygiene promotion, therefore, is an important priority” (Global Water Supply and Sanitation Assessment 2000, 2000). Moreover, boiling water cuts down on water-borne contagion as well. Although, “doctors and experts have strongly recommended the need of using boiled water for consumption. ... Nonetheless, as simply sustaining the current population remains these nations’ utmost motivation, a future with safe water seems bleak. ... For this reason, these infrastructures cannot support proper water treatment and supply facilities that satisfactorily meet sanitation standards. A 2001 study points out that, as a result, “polluted water has become the main worry, even for many urban households, due to poorly managed infrastructure…many studies also revealed that even some of the bottled water brands sold in the city areas are not safe for drinking, because bottlers do not observe the necessary safeguards and precautions” (Eco-List, 2001).