If water conservation behaviors do not begin to take effect throughout the world then a water crisis, larger than the one that we currently have, will effect the globe. Having the majority of the water on Earth come from oceans (97%), there is only at 2% of fresh water that can be used. Right now there is an inadequate amount of clean water to support our population. More than 1 out of 6 people already lack safe drinking water. This can be attributed to tripling of the population throughout the 20th century, but the population is expected to double again within the next fifty years.
( Satellite view shows the retreating shore of the Aral Sea, formerly one of the world's largest inland seas. Image at left was taken in 1989, at right in 2003.)
Other issues that are contributing to the lack of the fresh water supply is the amount of contamination prevalent today. Fresh bodies of water are becoming high in algae because of neighboring land containing manure and landfills. The phosphorus from the manure travels through the soil into the underground water streams. As a result, toxic blue-green algae grows in the water supply thus contaminating the water. Also, about 0.1-0.4% of usable aquifers are contaminated by landfills. The wastes in landfills become saturated with water, and if the water seeps into the groundwater or surface water, it can contaminate the supply.
As you can see, the world's water supply is dissipating from natural parts of the environment, but also by what we humans are doing to it. Because water is already becoming a sparse resource, it means that we as individuals need to contribute in ways to help preserve water. People need to participate in water saving principles and recycle proper wastes or else the water supply will soon be virtually non-existent.
3 comments:
It is so alarming to actually imagine not having clean water. I agree that conservation efforts need to be stepped up. I feel like I make an effort, but I'm sure I could do more. When it comes to conservation of resources, I sometimes get the feeling that there is a disconnect between intentions and actions. In theory we all think it's a good thing, but in practice I'm not sure it's happening to the degree that it needs to.
In terms of contamination, the statistics you mention are pretty eye opening. Is there something that can be done about the high levels of phosphorous from landfills and manure getting into the water? If that's happening here, does the EPA get involved to set limits and monitor compliance? It's a big question as to whether or not to "legislate or educate" when it comes to recycling and conservation, and my first instinct is to try to educate. However in the case of contamination by landfills it seems clear that there should be some sort of oversight.
All those stats are shocking and eye-opening for sure...and I don't think society realizes the severity of the issue...or atleast I sure didn't!
Just as with many other issues today, I think people are aware there is a problem but overlook it, believing it has nothing to do with them or that they cannot help solve it. It would be important for stats like these to be known to the population so everyone will start making an effort. It seems that the government is making an effort (not sure how effective or passionate this effort is) but much of society isn't stepping up to the plate. But how do we make people conserve water? Seems impossible...
This is an extremely interesting issue to me, yet, I tend to forget about this issue on a daily basis because I'm able to turn on my sink and get water whenever I'd like. I think that for most Americans it doesn't seem like something as little as turning off the sink while brushing your teeth could make a difference, but it can! Just to think that 97% of our water on Earth is unusable is hard to imagine. It saddens me to think that the limited amount of water we do have is being harmed by phosphorous filled landfills. This problem seems overwhelming but I think that if we all do small little things, such as turning of the water while brushing your teeth, then little by little we can make a big difference.
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