Blog Action Day 2010 - Water

In the U.S. we are very lucky to have almost unlimited access to water. Most people have water in their homes, at work and can get water almost anywhere they go. If water is cut off by a storm or water main break, we immediately are calling to find out how soon the problem will be fixed. Cut off for a day or two, we begin to appreciate water.
There are countries where people have to walk miles for water, stand in line and then walk back, carrying the water they will use that day. A lot of times, the water isn't safe to drink, but it is all they have. This is what they drink and cook with, seldom is there enough to keep clean or wash with. Children die drinking this water, but then they would die without it.
In the U.S. we waste water every time we take a shower, brush our teeth, wash dishes. The food we eat is processed with water. Clothes are made using water. Sewage is handled with water. How often are toilets flushed all over this country. Bottled water is sold at a terrific markup and the plastic is an environmental disaster!
Wars have been fought over water in this country and others. Along the Rio Grande, farmers on both sides of the border fight over water rights and the Rio Grande suffers.
There is no easy answer, but everyone needs water to survive. We are using water at an increasing rate and it may not be oil that brings countries down, it may be who has access to water at the end of the day.
Think before you leave the water running or buy another bottled water. In this country, tap water is safe to drink. Fill up a reusable water bottle with tap water and be thankful that you can do that without having to walk several miles first.