Let's Talk About Water
Dianesha Washington
The United States of America Water
663 million people 1 in 10 lack access to safe water. 2.4 billion people 1 in 3 lack access to a toilet. Twice the population of the United States lives without access to safe water. 1/3 of the global population lives without access to a toilet. The majority of Americans (almost 300 million people) get their tap water from public water systems. The other 15% receive water from private water systems not subject to government regulation.
China Water
The shortage is worsening because China's water is disappearing. In the 1950s the country had 50,000 rivers with catchment areas of 100 square kilometers or more. Now the number is down to 23,000. China has lost 27,000 rivers, mostly as a result of over-exploitation by farms or factories. Water shortages impose big costs. China is hoping for a shale-gas revolution but does not have enough water for it since most gas reserves are in the driest parts of the country.
Mexico Water
Water in Mexico is delivered to homes in one of three ways: via mains-feed, via a communal feed sourced from local water springs, or a combination of rain collection and local water delivery by truck. Properties situated in most urban towns and cities have their water provided by a mains-feed, whereas at properties situated outside of main cities and towns, water is supplied from a communally-run system, or else owners collect rain water.
Water Pollution
Clean Water
Globally we use 70% of our water sources of agriculture and irrigation, and only 10% on domestic uses. Nearly ! out every 5 death under the age of 5 worldwide is due to water- related disease. If we keep the water clean there will be less problems. By investing in clean water alone, young children around the world can gain more than 413 million days of health.