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Our lifestyles are quickly absorbing our clean water
leaving us a thirsty future.
We experience rain in springtime, swimming pools in summer, and Americans use 80 to 100 gallons of water daily without thinking. Certainly, there is water, water, everywhere, but soon there may not be enough to drink. A
shrinking water supply According to the Global Environmental Management Initiative, only one percent of all water is “readily accessible” freshwater from lakes, rivers, streams and underground water, and it must support all global needs. This limited supply is unequally distributed, so many regions across the nation and around the globe suffer from growing shortages. Quickly spreading drought China and India face intense shortages as they irrigate croplands to feed massive populations. Meanwhile the United States’ Pacific Northwest, Texas and many states from Maine to Georgia all recently experienced several summers of unusual drought. Scientists predict that by 2025 40 percent of the world’s citizens will live where water is scarce. Contamination dangers Most underground water is still nearly pure. However, pesticides, nitrogen fertilizers, poisons from landfills, radioactive waste and other toxins continue to threaten these supplies by polluting ground water. Water pollution can be deadly. Contaminated drinking water, poisonous food from animals drinking tainted water, and unbalanced ecosystems all threaten our health. Trouble for the future Water is a necessary part of life. While we can endure several weeks without food, we can only live a few days without water. If contamination continues, we risk our own lives and the survival of future generations. Stop the dehydration and do your part to quench global thirst. (See our Ways you can help and Water resources links pages.)
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by Felicia C. Daniels, Hearts & Minds intern |
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