The right to water is something that most people don’t really think about. They turn the tap on and there it is, free flowing and in most instances relatively plentiful – at least in developed nations. This isn’t the case in other parts of the world.
We humans take a lot for granted, and one thing that we abuse on a daily basis is water use. It’s there for us and we don’t think twice about where it came from, how it is treated, whether or not we will have any tomorrow, and if we should ration it. While these might sound like radical musings, rationing and the possibility of no water are real in many parts of the world.
Here’s an interesting question: Do we have the right to water? Most people would likely say yes, but did you also know that in some areas of the world this is a right enshrined in legislation? That may seem pretty drastic, but stop and think about that for a minute. In some areas of our planet, water is so important people fight over it and get killed for it. Scary thought, but a reality.
In 2007, the Water for the World Resolution was introduced into the House of Representatives. Among other things it stated, ” Water is a common resource to which we all have an equal right and a responsibility to protect.”
While a lovely sentiment it seems people’s rights to water are being violated on a daily basis. Consider these statistics to get a clear picture of what we mean. There are roughly 1.7 billion people in the world who still have no access to clean water. Can you imagine what they are drinking?
Over 2.3 billion people suffer the ravages of water-borne diseases every year – and we wonder why the health care systems of various third world countries are strained to the breaking point.
Diseases contracted from water are not just because a source is unclean to begin with, but are the result of the pricing of water. If people cannot afford water, they will source it wherever they are able to, even if that means contaminated water.
Think about this. Water is critical to our very survival. Don’t we owe others and ourselves the responsibility of caring for and maintaining fresh water supplies with decent access?
Larry Wardell is with H2olabs.com, a provider of water distillers and water distillation systems. To learn more about water distillers, water distillation systems, water purification systems, visit H2olabs.com.
