BLOGGING THE VIEW: 7 facts about World Water Day

We tend to take things for granted until we’re forced to do otherwise. Eradicating plastic bags, limiting our sugar intake, recycling… a lot of things that are good for ourselves and the environment only become habit when it becomes a legal requirement. Problem is, once the laws are in place, the damage is – all too often – already done.

We know water is a valuable resource, but what many of us don’t realise is that it’s diminishing every day. The climate crisis, rising populations and general misuse means this resource is quickly being depleted. And we can’t wait until legal restrictions push us to save it – water saving needs to start today.

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Here are some facts to encourage you to act this World Water Day (22 March).

Fact 1: Insufficient access
Over 700 million people lack access to water, which is around 10% of the planet, while more than 2 billion do not have safe drinking water. By 2030, water scarcity could displace over 700 million people.

Fact 2: Rising numbers
The world population has tripled over the last 70 years, leading to greater demand for freshwater resources. This isn’t just demand for drinking water, agriculture accounts for nearly 70% of global water withdrawals as food production increases.

Fact 3: Water scarcity
Sub-Saharan regions are experiencing the worst of the water crisis, with only 22 to 34% of populations in eight sub-Saharan countries having access to safe water. South Africa is a water-scarce nation receiving insufficient and unreliable rainfall.

Fact 4: Impacting the poor
Currently, 19% of the rural population lacks access to a reliable water supply and 33% do not have basic sanitation services. More than 26% of all schools and 45% of clinics also have no water access.

Fact 5: Water-shedding
Producing electricity isn’t the only thing Eskom can’t get right. Coal plants use water throughout the supply chain, from extraction at the mines to incineration coal-fired power stations, to dust control. In fact, Eskom uses just over 10 000 litres of water a second – the same amount a single person would use in one year.

Fact 6: Secondary risks
Besides the health risk, water scarcity is likely to result in socio-political events that could destabilise governments around the world, with food production declining and famine worsening.

Fact 7: You can help
Every drop really does count. Do whatever you can to preserve water – shower rather than bath, switch off taps when shaving and brushing teeth, fix any leaking pipes, and teach the next generation the importance of conservation.

SOURCES:
www.greenpeace.org
www.wits.ac.za
www.earth.org

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