Sunday, March 22, 2015

World Water Day 2015: A Thirsty World

We know that water is essential to life. We need water to drink, to grow crops, and to wash our hands -- and it's often a matter of simply turning on a faucet. In may parts of the world, however, it's not that simple. Today is World Water Day, a great day to discover and appreciate this precious resource.



As the United Nations points out, 50 to 60 percent  of the adult human body is water; that figure jumps to 78 percent for babies. Our health depends on the availability of safe drinking water as well as clean water for personal hygiene and food preparation. Some of us must go to great lengths to provide water for our families. Women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa and other developing regions spend up to a quarter of their days collecting water

Adding to the stresses of water shortages and poor sanitation is the privatization of water by corporations. When water is privatized, rates often go up in order to maximize profits, and a company will have exclusive distribution rights for up to 30 years, notes Public Citizen, Corporations that privatize water, after all, are accountable to shareholders instead of consumers. These are just a few reasons why privatization of water is probably not the best idea.

But you know what? Keeping water in public hands and investing in clean water and sanitation in developing countries is an economic plus that benefits all of us. Every dollar invested in improved sanitation creates a a 5.5 to 1 return, according to the United Nations.

We do live in a thirsty world -- a world that thirsts for dignity, love and respect as well as H20. Access to clean waster preserves health as well as dignity.

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 
for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6 (NRSV)

Let's set aside some time today to learn more about water and its vital part in our lives. Here are some resources to get started:

World Water Day 2015

Top 10 Reasons to Oppose Water Privatization






6 comments:

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Water is as precious a resource as compassion. I love your new look, Judith!

Judith C Evans said...

Great to see you here, Cecilia! Thanks for visiting my new blog.

Anonymous said...

What a great post Judith!! I have learned and continue to learn from you and your new blog will be a huge success!

Judith C Evans said...

Thanks, John! Just sharing things that I'm learning along the way :)

Christy B said...

This blog looks great, Judith! Thanks for continuing to teach us about world issues. xo

Judith C Evans said...

Glad you stopped by, Christy, and thanks!