Imagine you just came back from a run, bike ride, or just hanging about outside in 90 degree weather and there was no water. Tap is dry. No bottled water. No juices or other fluids as they’re mostly made of water. Resourceful thought, but, no, nobody else in your area has any water either, so looting is out. Freshwater in the area is contaminated. Your only hope would be for rain – so you could run outside and catch the drops – or hopefully, downpour – in your mouth.
Just typing that paragraph made me thirsty — and appreciate what many of us take for granted: water. It’s essential to life, yet we undervalue it because it has been readily and cheaply available.
The majority of people living on this planet don’t have easy access to clean, drinkable water — and spend, on average, 2-3 hours each day obtaining it. And the issue is now spreading to the “developed” world – including the U.S.
Hmm…that 2-3 hours corresponds with the average American’s TV time. I can see it now: some adults would be saying to their toddlers as they sink into their sofa with the remote control and Doritos in hand, “Sweetie, if you’re old enough to walk, you’re old enough to go get our water! Exercise is good for you.” Others would be rationalizing to family or friends, “I think it’s worth risking dehydration and death today as championship bowling is on.” I’m only half-kidding — and only to make a point. Could we in the U.S, really hack this scenario?
Some U.S. Water Shortage Facts/Stats:
- An epic drought in Georgia threatens the water supply for millions.
- Florida doesn’t have nearly enough water for its expected population boom.
- In the West, the Sierra Nevada snow-pack is melting faster each year.
- The Great Lakes are shrinking.
- Upstate New York’s reservoirs have dropped to record lows.
- The government projects that at least 36 states will face water shortages within five years because of a combination of rising temperatures, drought, population growth, urban sprawl, waste and excess.
Some Global Water Shortage Facts/Stats:
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