What is Water Scarcity?
Unfortunately, many experts agree we are already dealing with a water crisis due to water scarcity. Water scarcity refers to an area lacking enough physically available water to meet the demand, particularly safe drinking water. This comes as a result of either a limited water supply or mishandled management of clean water. There is no part of the world immune from water scarcity issues. Both rural and urban areas all around the world are affected by water scarcity, whether it’s due to climate, overpopulation, or poverty-stricken areas dealing with a lack of proper water infrastructure.
Water scarcity is an intimidating issue that affects many people, but no other areas face greater challenges than developing communities. Together we can analyze the core issues of water-starved areas and provide water crisis solutions best suited to ensure every human has access to safe, clean water and how you can help in the battle along with clean water initiatives.
Effects of Water Scarcity in Developing Countries?
Illness and Hunger
The sad reality is that over a billion people do not have access to clean water. Areas in Africa and Asia are most affected. Unsafe drinking water no doubt has the most consequences on human lives and safety. Bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants found in water increase the number of water borne illnesses and, in extreme cases, the loss of lives. Without a reliable water supply, animals and crops in the area also perish, leading to starvation.
Lack of Education and Poverty
The absence of clean water contributes to the cycle of poverty in many developing countries. When children become sick from unsafe water, they need to stay home from school. The parents of these children either need to stay home from their jobs to care for sick children, or end up catching the disease themselves. Without the fundamentals to survive, the ability to thrive is no longer a priority.
Migration
Whether it’s because the distance to travel for clean water is too great, or the land isn’t suitable to sustain crops or animal life, you will likely witness mass waves of migration away from water-starved areas. Both humans and animals will eventually leave behind cities or communities to find more reliable sources of water. Occasionally, conflict arises over limited water resources, causing people to be displaced from their homes or voluntarily leave to reach safety.
Solutions to Water Scarcity?
Education
Sometimes, the first step to a solution involves simply being made aware of the problem. This includes teaching both people who are dealing with water scarcity and those who aren’t dealing with it. For those without reliable access to clean water, you can teach how to use good hygiene practices to keep others safe so the problem does not worsen. Those not dealing with water scarcity can be informed on how they can provide help. Individuals and corporations must actively learn how they can change water consumption habits to prevent the water crisis from worsening in the future.
Recycling Water
Collecting and storing rainwater for later use is a low-tech solution for areas that get plenty of rainfall. Using rainwater shortly after it is caught is typically potable enough to use as drinking water and for agricultural use. In other areas with more abundant technology, wastewater and groundwater can be reclaimed and recycled so that it is safe for use.
Water Infrastructure and Management
For some areas, water scarcity is a result of poor water management, whether it’s old infrastructure that is falling apart or the pollution of drinking water from sewage or chemicals used in agriculture. If the money made from the purchasing of water is not put back into water management, equipment goes without repair and water safety levels go unmonitored.
What is Healing Waters Doing to Help?
Beyond everyday solutions, Healing Waters International is also diligently working to provide affordable water treatment equipment to communities all around the world. This way, each community can take charge of their own water business operation to deliver clean water to each member of the community. Over the years, we have collaborated with other organizations to create different water scarcity solutions that best fit the needs of an individual community.
In turn, we have developed water treatment solutions like our Power Pure, Solar Pure, and Gravity Pure models to safely provide clean water, all while remaining affordable and easy to operate. We select the right solution depending on what is available as a power source, the number of people in the community, and the amount of space available. We don’t just set up our solutions and leave. We work with members of the community so they can sustain their own water business and stay healthy.
What Can You Do To Help?
The delivery of our water treatment solutions and water business operation training can only be made a reality with your help. We believe solving water scarcity is a collective problem for all, not just those who deal with it.
Healing Waters and other clean water initiatives are committed to providing economically feasible solutions to as many people across the globe as possible. We empower people to take charge of their own water business to grant clean water to all and pass down knowledge to keep future generations safe.
We want every human to reach a point where they can thrive, not just worry about survival. We will need your help. By joining our Saturate Community, you can help us in our fight that won’t end until we know 100% of people have access to clean water. Any contribution will make an impact on individuals, classrooms, and entire families all across the globe. It all starts with you. Contact us today if you have any more questions on what part you can play in our fight. Your immediate action will have an immediate impact!