UN World Water Day - Don't Take Water for Granted!

Like most Americans, I take for granted that there will always be copious amounts of water available for drinking, washing, flushing, etc.  However, when I was recently in the desert of Baja Mexico, I was reminded that water is indeed a limited resource.  For several days, I was focused on the gray whales of Laguna San Ignacio and the celebration of our continued effort to protect and preserve this remarkable place.  Yet every time I visited the outhouses or washing station, I had to think about “water,” and the scarcity thereof. 

In contrast, hundreds of millions of people around the world have to worry every day about having enough water to meet their basic needs.   

That is something to contemplate today – which is the United Nation’s World Water Day.  Take a look at The National Geographic Society’s special interactive version of its April issue – “Water:  A Thirsty World” – that you can download for free at www.natgeofreshwater.com.  You will learn that while Americans use about 100 gallons of water each day, millions in developing countries get by on 5 gallons or less.  Many poor people, mostly women, have to walk an average of almost 4 miles to get water. 

The issue also includes an essay by novelist Barbara Kingsolver on the centrality of water to our lives, a piece by Brook Larmer on the implications of melting glaciers, and a detailed article on the rapid extinction of fresh water animals.  There is also an exploration of California’s extensive pumping and irrigation systems that move water along 2400 miles of canals and aqueducts, and a visual on a powder distributed by aid groups in developing countries which can make muddy water clear and drinkable in less than 30 minutes.

Elizabeth Royte  explores the issue of water scarcity.  Her article The Last Drop highlights the water efficiency and conservation measures taken in Albuquerque, New Mexico to lessen water use and extend the life of its local aquifer by 50 years.  Measures there have been so successful that they have reduced water use per person from 140 gallons per day to about 80.  More and more communities and businesses are recognizing the importance of dealing with water.  Just last week Anheuser Busch announced that it plans to reduce water consumption by 30% for every beer it produces.  Royte notes also that the greatest opportunities for reduced water consumption lie in irrigated agriculture which accounts for some 70% of the fresh water we use.  There is an opportunity for American farmers to save tremendous amounts of water though efficient irrigation systems, especially with incentives through better water pricing.

In many developing countries, access to water is a much different problem.  There is a real lack of infrastructure needed to carry water to and from homes and businesses.  Investments in wells, pipes, and latrines – along with community involvement and training – can help reduce the number of people who don’t have access to safe water or sanitation.  NRDC is working to increase the United States Government’s commitment help meet the water needs of the poor in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.    In a world which is increasingly interconnected and affected by environmental challenges, none of us should ever think that our own lives will never be impacted by water scarcity.

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