Water is the most precious resource on the planet; it’s nonrenewable, and it’s something that most of us take for granted every day. We are taught in grade school that all living things need water to grow and thrive and that plants, animals, and organisms can’t survive long in the absence of water.
Yet, only 62 percent of the world’s population has access to clean, drinkable water. What about the other 38 percent or, for better visualization, one in six people? Unfortunately, they are at risk of being one of the 3.5 million people who die each year from waterborne diseases, 90 percent of whom are children under age 5. According to water.org, unsanitary water claims more children’s lives than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined.
Although water covers 97 percent of our planet, less than 3 percent is consumption-ready freshwater. The United Nations estimates that by 2025 — 15 years from now — 48 nations with a combined population of 2.8 billion will face a freshwater scarcity crisis. That is almost half the world’s population. However, for now, the issue is not so much scarcity as it is access.
If a local water source is available in a village, the likelihood of contamination is high, so the only option is to walk elsewhere to find clean water. Women and children bear this burden, walking miles just to retrieve water. But the trickle-down effects of access are clear, especially for women and children. Spending less time commuting means children have time to attend school and mothers have time to work or care for their families. Additionally, a close, safe water source means mothers and children are less susceptible to attacks.
So let’s review:
Who: 1 billion people
What: disease and preventable death
Where: developing countries including Bangladesh, Honduras, Bolivia, Uganda, and Ethiopia
When: NOW
Why: no formal water supply or sanitation, and pollution of nearby water sources
How you can help: First, sign a petition promoting U.N. efforts to supply clean water. Then check out organizations like Charity: Water and Water for People, which fund global water projects such as digging community wells, rehabilitating old or broken wells, harvesting rainwater, and protecting natural springs. Research, get involved, and do what you can to help bring safe drinking water to those in desperate need.
This post is by AAUW fellow Maureen Evans Arthurs.
AAUW Dialog 
Blog Action Day sounded like it might be fun to participate in. I only started my new blog in August, so I’m eager for new ideas. But I was afraid it might be a bit gimmicky.
Because I post on Mondays and Thursdays, I had my Water post up a day early. That gave me the luxury of relaxing and reading a lot of other posts. I was impressed by how many bloggers brought their own perspective to the issue–further evidence of how water affects nearly every aspect of our lives. I learned some things I didn’t know and found a couple of excellent blogs that were new to me. Great job!
I think you’re referring to “Blue Gold: World Water Wars.” It’s a very unsettling film.
Water is truly the issue of our times and we must pay attention to efforts to keep fresh clean water supplies available. I wish I could remember the name of a documentary I saw a year or so ago on how corporations are cornering fresh water supplies to the detriment of ordinary citizens. Anyone remember this film?