Water is a basic human need that nobody can live without. However, despite being a basic need, millions of people don’t have access to clean water. The United Nations defines access to safe and clean water as a basic human right, yet over 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water.
Water access is an especially critical issue in Africa, where a large population lives in extreme poverty. The continent is home to 33 of the 36 highest-ranking countries with the most scarce water resources. Many households have to walk long distances and queue up for hours to get water, which is often not safe for consumption. This situation puts an immense strain on people’s lives, health, and livelihoods.
The water crisis affects not only developing countries but also industrialized nations like the United States. In 2014, about 19 million Americans were exposed to lead-contaminated water, a situation that happened while the area was under budget cuts. A report from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) stated that up to 77 million people were supplied water that violated safe drinking water standards between 2011 and 2015. This crisis left many people with health problems and created an uproar among the residents.
One of the most significant challenges of having clean water access is ensuring that everyone, regardless of their social-economic status, has access to potable water. Often, it is lower-income communities that experience limited access to clean water supplies. Inadequate infrastructure, long distances to water sources, and a lack of financing and expertise are among the factors that contribute to inadequate water supply infrastructure for poorer areas. In some cases, governments neglect certain groups or neighborhoods.
The fight for clean water access encompasses a range of advocacy initiatives aimed at protecting the most precious resource in the world, water. Advocacy organizations and grassroots movements have emerged to tackle the issue of equitable access to safe water. These organizations advocate for fundamental water rights, including transparency in water governance, equitable water access, and the creation of relevant public policies.
Additionally, individuals and institutions can promote the clean water cause by adopting water conservation habits. The conservation of water plays a significant role in ensuring sustainable water consumption for everyone. It’s advisable to turn off water taps when not in use, fix all water wastage devices, and use water-efficient appliances.
In conclusion, access to clean water is essential for good health, livelihoods, and wellbeing. It is a human right that should be protected for every person. Governments, civil societies, rights groups, business enterprises, and local people need to play their part in ensuring clean water access for all. It’s only by working together that we can protect and conserve our most precious resource, water.
