Water Crisis
THe
GLOBAL
WATER, a basic right, is something many people around the world don't have access too. Whether it's lack of physical sources or contaminated water sources, millions of people are becoming sick and losing their lives. According to the WHO, about 3.4 Million people globaly, lose their lives due to water scarcity or water borne illness.
This lack has impacts that ripple out to all aspects of life within these communities, especially impacting women and children. Solving this problem will open so many opportunities to for people and their communities around the world.
THE WATER CRISIS By the numbers
2.1 Billion
2.1 Billion people, globally, don't have access to safe water at home. This poses numerous challenges for those communities.
1 in 3
1 in 3 people worldwide lack access to a toilet. This lack of proper sanitation can lead to water contamination and spread waterborne disease.
200 Million
Women and girls, worldwide, spend 200 million hours each day collecting water, usually many miles away, instead of focusing on education.
840,000
Approximately 840,000 people die each year from water-related diseases. This includes ones caused by contaminated water sources. (WHO).
IN THE END, THE WATER CRISIS IS A HUMAN CRISIS
Water is the foundation for basic life. Without clean drinking water, society and humanity suffers.
DISEASE & SICKNESS
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About 850 Million people lack basic drinking-water systems (WHO).
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Globally, about 2 Billion people have their water source contaminated by human/animal waste (WHO).
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Contaminated Water is the source of many diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio. Each year about 1/2 Million people die from diarrhea related deaths (WHO).
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About 250 Million people are affected by schistosomiasis - a disease caused by a parasite found in infected water (WHO).
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About 50% of a diarrheal deaths could have been avoided through safe drinking water (WHO).
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32% of the world's population lacks access to basic sanitation facilities (WHO/UNICEF).
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In Africa, 42% of health facilities do not have access to a clean water source with 500 meters (WHO).
WOMEN'S STRUGGLES
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Globally, women and girls are disproportionately affected by the water crisis. They are often responsible for collecting and carrying water for their families, which can take up to six hours per day, leaving them with less time for education, work, and other activities.
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Lack of access to safe and clean water can lead to poor hygiene and sanitation, which can cause health problems such as diarrhea, cholera, and trachoma. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to these diseases, which can further limit their ability to work and go to school.
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The lack of adequate sanitation facilities can also have a significant impact on women and girls. They may be forced to go to the bathroom in public or wait until nightfall to go, which puts them at risk of sexual harassment and assault.
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Women and girls who are pregnant or menstruating require more water for hygiene and health reasons, which can be difficult to obtain in areas with limited water access.
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In many communities, women are responsible for irrigating crops and raising livestock, which can be difficult or impossible without adequate water supplies. This can lead to food insecurity and economic instability.
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The water crisis can also exacerbate gender inequality, as women may have less access to decision-making processes around water use and management.
CHILDREN & THEIR FUTURE
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Waterborne diseases are responsible for the deaths of an estimated 829,000 children under the age of five each year, according to the World Health Organization.
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Children who do not have access to clean water and sanitation are more likely to be malnourished, which can lead to stunted growth and cognitive development.
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In many developing countries, girls miss school because they have to collect water, which can limit their opportunities for education and their future potential.
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Children who are sick from waterborne diseases miss school, which can limit their educational opportunities and affect their future employment prospects.
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The water crisis can contribute to poverty and economic instability, which can impact children's access to healthcare, education, and other basic needs.
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Children who grow up in areas with water scarcity may be forced to migrate in search of water, which can disrupt their education, social support networks, and access to healthcare.
SOCIETY & THE ECONOMY
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The water crisis can lead to reduced agricultural productivity, which can impact food security and contribute to poverty and hunger. In many developing countries, agriculture is a major source of employment and income, so reduced productivity can have significant economic impacts.
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Water scarcity can also lead to increased competition for water resources, which can create tensions between different groups or communities. This can lead to conflict, displacement, and instability.
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Inadequate water infrastructure and management can result in significant economic losses due to water leakage, inefficient use of water, and increased maintenance costs.
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The lack of access to safe and clean water can lead to increased healthcare costs due to waterborne diseases, which can be costly to treat and may result in lost productivity and income.
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The water crisis can also impact tourism, which can be an important source of income for some communities. Areas with water scarcity or pollution may be less attractive to tourists, which can impact the local economy.
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The water crisis can also impact industry, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on water, such as textiles, agriculture, and energy production. Water scarcity can lead to reduced production, higher costs, and decreased competitiveness.
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Water scarcity can also affect access to education and other basic services, particularly in rural areas. Children who have to walk long distances to collect water may miss school, and lack of access to clean water and sanitation can increase the risk of illness, which can impact attendance rates and academic performance.
SANITATION
Proper sanitation plays a critical role in addressing the global water crisis. Access to clean water is not enough; it must be accompanied by adequate sanitation practices to ensure the overall health and well-being of communities. The lack of proper sanitation facilities can exacerbate water contamination and contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases.
IG: @saltyviewfinder
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
Here are a few reasons good sanitation is crucial in tackling the water crisis:
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Preventing Water Contamination: Open defecation and inadequate sewage systems can contaminate water sources, making them unsafe for consumption and domestic use. Improving sanitation facilities helps prevent the pollution of water bodies and preserves precious freshwater resources.
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Reducing Waterborne Diseases: Poor sanitation is a leading cause of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. These illnesses can have devastating effects, especially on vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
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Enhancing Community Health: Access to proper sanitation facilities, including toilets and handwashing stations, promotes better hygiene practices. This, in turn, reduces the risk of infections and improves overall community health.
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Promoting Environmental Sustainability: By adopting sustainable sanitation practices, such as eco-friendly waste treatment and recycling, communities can contribute to environmental conservation and protect water ecosystems.
By emphasizing the importance of sanitation and encouraging individuals to adopt hygienic practices, we can collectively contribute to addressing the water crisis and promoting the well-being of people and the planet.
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