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
