Water Equity
Water Equity By Jackson Hammerschmidt
Ever since I can remember, we were taught in our schools not to waste water or food. I heard the phrases, “there are starving children in Africa,” and “kids in Africa have to walk miles to get water.” Because resources there are scarce. According to World Health Organization In 2022, Somalia had a drought that lead to 43,000 deaths. But it’s not just Africa, in Argentina, an economically devastating drought brought down the country’s GDP from 2.0% to 0.2% just last year. But not just other countries but right here in the United States. The Colorado River, supplies millions with water, states like Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, are among the states that are constantly dealing with a water crisis. In Illinois and specifically the Chicagoland area, most residents drink Lake Michigan Water. And Lake Michigan and the rest of the Great Lakes Area have an abundance of water. The United States are ranked 3rd in the World with the most freshwater resources with 3,069 cubic kilometers.
One time while driving back home from St. Louis, I stopped to get McDonalds’ and was shocked when my drink options were severely limited due to the town being on a boil order. This is when the water has been contaminated, an emergency order is sent out that any water that comes from the tap must be boiled before being consumed, I was able to get a strawberry lemonade because the water was used before the boil issue was put in place. But I was still hesitant to drink it, and I didn’t, I used to think my region had the cleanest water. So, where is the cleanest water? Hawaii was ranked 1st in states with the cleanest tap water and least amount of water violations with 2. While the bottom 3 were West Virginia with 8.5k, Pennsylvania with 21.5k, and Texas with 23.6k. Recently a large water crisis hit closer to home. The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when the city of Flint, Michigan, switched its water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River to save money. The change resulted in lead contamination in the water supply due to aging pipes and inadequate water treatment, leading to significant health risks for residents. The crisis drew national attention and sparked widespread outrage, prompting investigations and calls for improved water infrastructure and accountability. In total, 12 people died due to the contamination.
So when you are taking a shower, brushing your teeth, cooking, or watering your plants, be mindful that there are regions where people must be conscious of how much they are using and they have to be careful of the water they are drinking. Given the intertwined challenges of droughts and water contamination is crucial for the health and well-being of communities around the world. Innovative water management practices, investment in infrastructure, and proactive policies can help mitigate these issues. By prioritizing water conservation, advancing technologies for water purification, and promoting awareness and education, we can safeguard our most precious resource for current and future generations. Let's take action now to ensure a sustainable and resilient water future for all.
I often forget that access to water does not directly correlate to a region's access to DRINKABLE water. It is disturbing that someplace so close to home, a place with ample access to fresh water, had such a shocking crisis.
ReplyDeleteThis personal reflection on water scarcity and contamination highlights a global issue that affects communities worldwide. From droughts in Somalia to the Flint water crisis in Michigan, the post underscores the importance of water conservation and safe drinking water. It's a deep reminder of the privilege many of us have in accessing clean water, contrasted with the challenges faced by others. By raising awareness and advocating for innovative solutions, your post calls for action to ensure a sustainable water future for all.
ReplyDeleteI feel like a lot of Americans often forget that other parts of the world struggle to gain access to water. Sometimes while showering I feel like I am just wasting this water while it can be going to some communities in Africa and can really help them out. I really wish that we can all find a way to save water and maybe somehow donate it to the less fortunate.
ReplyDeleteThis blog really shows that no matter where you are in the world you can face issues that are as essential as drinking water. The flint crisis is especially sad because we are surrounded by drinking water but our own infrastructure is what failed us.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that when thinking of water scarcity, the first thing that comes to mind is countries in the global south who do not have proper sewage or water filtration systems. It is an unfortunate reality that so many areas in the United States do not have proper access to safe drinking water.
ReplyDeletewhen ever I think of water scarcity I don't typically think of the US, your post pointed out to me that water scarcity is world wide problem all around the world. The fact that the flint water crisis happened so close to us is very eye opening.
ReplyDeleteI really like your point at the end of the essay that we need to safeguard clean water for all.What kinds of things should be done to meet this goal? How might climate change impact it?
ReplyDeleteI think its true that we have to not waste our resources especially something as valuable as water. I never liked it when people would say people ae starving in Africa because even though that's true for part of the continent Africa is flourishing in some areas. I think its important to be specific with what counties we are talking about and i liked that you did that.
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