Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right, yet according to a recent report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 26% of the world’s population still doesn’t have the way to procure to have safe water for themselves. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for global action to ensure that all people have access to clean and safe drinking water.
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The UNESCO Report
- The UNESCO report, titled ”The United Nations World Water Development Report 2021,” was released in March 2021. It reveals that more than 2 billion people around the world lack access to safe drinking water. This means that these people are forced to drink water that is contaminated with dangerous bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants. As a result, they are at risk of developing serious illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea.
- The report also reveals that the problem is particularly acute in low-income countries. In these countries, only 45% of the population has access to safe drinking water. This is compared to 91% of the population in high-income countries.
- The lack of access to safe drinking water has serious consequences for both individuals and communities. It can lead to illness, reduced productivity, and even death. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of unsafe drinking water. According to the World Health Organization, 361,000 children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrhea caused by unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation.
- The UNESCO report also highlights the fact that the lack of access to safe drinking water is not just a health issue, but also an environmental issue. The report calls for urgent action to address the global water crisis. It states that “access to safe drinking water is essential for achieving of goals the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- For those who are not familiar with this term, SDG are the 17 goals adopted in 2015 by the United nations. Which aims to end poverty, fight climate change and ensure peace for all.
Tips On Improving Access To Safe Water
The report recommends a number of strategies to improve access to safe drinking water. These include improving water management practices, investing in infrastructure, promoting water conservation, and ensuring that water resources are used sustainably. The report also emphasizes the need for political will and international cooperation to address the global water crisis.
Some Foundations Working Towards Safe Water Initiative
In addition to the recommendations made in the UNESCO report, there are a number of organizations working to improve access to safe drinking water around the world. These include non-profit organizations such as Water.org and charity: water, as well as government agencies and international organizations such as the World Bank and UNICEF.
- Water.org, founded by actor Matt Damon and water expert Gary White, works to provide access to safe drinking water and sanitation to communities in need around the world. The organization uses a market-based approach to provide small loans to families to build water and sanitation facilities. Since its founding in 2009, Water.org has helped more than 31 million people gain access to safe water and sanitation.
- Charity: water is another non-profit organization working to improve access to safe drinking water. The organization focuses on funding sustainable water projects in developing countries. Since its founding in 2006, charity: water has funded more than 60,000 water projects in 29 countries, providing clean water to more than 12 million people.
- The World Bank and UNICEF are also working to improve access to safe drinking water around the world. The World Bank’s Water Global Practice works to improve water management practices and increase access to safe water.
Tips For Water Conservation
Water is a precious resource that is essential for life. Unfortunately, water scarcity is becoming an increasingly common issue in many parts of the world. It is therefore important to conserve water wherever possible. Conserving water not only helps to preserve this valuable resource, but it can also help to save money on utility bills.
- Fix leaks: Leaks are one of the most common causes of water wastage. A dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. Fix any leaks that you see in your property as soon as possible.
- Use water-efficient appliances: Look for appliances that have high water-efficiency ratings. For example, a water-efficient washing machine can use up to 40% less water than a traditional washing machine.
- Take shorter showers: Showers can use a lot of water. So take showers for a short duration say 5-10 minutes.
- Turn off the tap: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your face.
- Use a low-flow toilet: A low-flow toilet uses less water per flush than a traditional toilet. This can save a significant amount of water over time.
- Collect rainwater: Collecting rainwater in a rain barrel can provide a free source of water for your garden or plants.
- Water plants in the early morning or evening: Watering plants during the early morning or evening can help to reduce water evaporation and ensure that the water is absorbed by the plants.
- Use a broom instead of a hose: Use a broom to clean driveways, patios and sidewalks instead of a hose. This can save a significant amount of water.
- Use mulch: Using mulch around plants can help to retain moisture in the soil and reduce the amount of water needed.
- Install water-efficient fixtures: Install water-efficient faucets, showerheads and toilets to reduce the amount of water used in your home.
Overall conserving water is an important way to help preserve this valuable resource. By making small changes to our daily routines, we can all help to conserve water and ensure that it is available for future generations.
