Water Crisis - The Reality

There is a water crisis going on around the world. No, we are not talking about a water shortage. We are talking about the need for clean water. Half of the hospitals around the world are filled with patients suffering from waterborne illnesses. One in every five deaths in children under the age of five is due to waterborne illnesses.

Most waterborne illnesses are found in developing countries that do not have a water filtration system. Bacteria, parasites and viruses naturally occur in water. Although many of these bacteria are harmless, there are certain ones that can cause deadly diseases. Those with a compromised immune system like the elderly and children are at an increased risk of developing a waterborne illness.

Contaminated Water and Illnesses

Infants and children are susceptible to waterborne illnesses because their immune systems are not fully developed. Unfortunately, because of the cost of fuel for fires needed to boil the water, many mothers are prevented from boiling the water, which can increase the risk of waterborne illnesses. Unhygienic sanitation along with contaminated drinking water can cause a host of waterborne illnesses.

In addition to children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system are at an increased risk of developing waterborne illnesses. These illnesses can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. When a person becomes malnourished or dehydrated, the risk of death increases.

Contaminated Water Creates A Cycle of Disadvantaged Living

When safe water is not available, it can create a cycle of disadvantaged living because it is difficult to grow food when a reliable source of water is unavailable. It takes large amounts of water to grow food. Foe example, globally, 70 percent of water consumption is used for irrigation and agriculture needs. In order to produce 1 glass of milk, 200 liters of water is needed. An egg requires 135 liters and an apple requires 70 liters of water. If there is not ample water due to poor water management or lack of a nearby water supply, it can impact the citizens ability to grow food.  This can cause both physical scarcity as well as economic scarcity, which leads a lifetime of poverty that continues from generation to generation.

Additionally, when the population becomes malnourished or dehydrated due to contaminated water sources and waterborne illnesses, they become so weak that they are no longer to work their crops and tend their livestock, which further increases the scarcity of supplies in the community.

How You Can Help

Supplying the disadvantaged with clean drinking water, educating them on proper water management and digging wells can help to protect the community's health as well as helping to end the cycle of poverty. Our goal is to supply impoverished communities with the technology needed to bring clean water supplies to the villages. As the population is educated and clean drinking water is provided, the health and livelihood of the communities will improve and help these people work themselves out of poverty. You can be a part of this solution to end hunger, provide fresh water and improve the living conditions in these villages.