We have learned in Geography that 70% of water covers the planet Earth. This does make water the most powerful, indispensable and widespread natural resources of the world. Unfortunately, most of this water is highly unusable by the human race because of its salt content.
Did you know that out of 97% of the global water only 1% is usable for the human needs? Earth has uneven distribution of freshwater sources, which implies that only few countries in the world have access to usable water.
Disruption in the water’s natural cycle is one of the prime causes for water scarcity. Over withdrawal of water by digging wells, construction of countless dams, drought, rainfall pattern, global climatic change, burst of population, industrial growth have caused the water crisis all over the world.
Water crisis does not only mean shortage of water, it also means access to safe drinking water. The global water crisis is affecting more than a billion people of the world’s population. Lack of access to clean water is one of the prime reasons for water-related deaths.
Majority or women in Asia and Africa walk a great distance to collect a pot of water, that too, from a polluted source.
The average water footprint of India is 1000-2000 m3/yr per capita. A national water footprint highlights the quantity of hidden or virtual water consumed and the water footprint used in the production of various goods.
Here, are some shocking statistics –
|Average water footprint in Litres||Commodity per kilogram|
These mind-numbing figures reveal the consumption of the commodity by the population, as well as the need to devise industrial and agricultural policies to preserve water.
Various strategies have evolved through the efforts of corporate, government institutions, NGOs, consultants and water conservation experts to address the water shortage that looms large on us.
It thus becomes essential for each one of us to step up our thinking and change lifestyles to save that drop of water. Media, websites are all abuzz with numerous tips to save water.
Check your individual water footprint calculator to assess the virtual water that you may consume without your knowledge.
Influence and educate your family, friends and co-workers to pledge for a lower consumption of water.
Let us contribute in whichever way possible to solve this dangerous depletion of water. We can save thousands of litres every day without much hassle.
Read the other features of the series: