Water Woes - Part 2

Economic hard times, high unemployment, armed conflicts, health care and social debates, why should anyone be concerned about water issues when most Americans can simply walk over to the closest sink, turn a spigot, and have as much (seemingly) as they desire?

Recently, I read an article concerning a prediction for a colder then normal winter for the mid- section of our nation. In the comment section (and there were well over 100 comments) the discussion soon turned to opinions about cause and effects, global warming or not global warming.

I was amazed and shocked at the anger and insult delivered back and forth among readers and commentators.

I have written before, and I will write this again. Sustainable living, and sustainable practices, are not a pro-global warming nor a con-global warming issue. It is not a political right nor a political left issue. It is an issue that is vital to the health and welfare of millions of Americans living in hundreds of cities around America today.

Water, specifically fresh, clean, drinking water, is and will continue to be the most important aspect of sustainable living now and in the future. It's not solar panels, wind turbines, or lithium batteries and electric motors.

Let's look at some facts together.

Overuse and draught is shrinking the output of the Colorado River Basin, with possible water shortages for millions of people in seven western states.

Less then two percent of all water on the earth is drinkable water.

States already are in political and legal battles over water rights from Lake Lanier, a leading water supplier for Georgia (Atlanta), Florida, and Alabama.

With the Great Lakes experiencing their lowest levels in decades, bordering states and Canada are agreeing to plans to keep the water in the region.

More than half the states expect water shortages by the year 2013.

Water or the lack of it, is an issue that many Americans, and world citizens will face in the upcoming years.

One more fact.

The U.N. has declared that water demand will outstrip supply for two-thirds of the world population by 2025. If you think that doesn't effect you, then glance over at your children, or grandchildren, and realize that 2025 is only 15 years away. What quality of life is in store for them?

Every great city that has ever been built has a connection to a great body of water or river system. Water and the movement of water has sparked human invention and mechanical design.

It washes us, it settles us, we play in it. Food we could go weeks without, no water, we would die in less then a week.

If all of electricity and technology mysteriously stopped tomorrow, as long as we had water we could survive. But no technology could save us, if water was to disappear.

It is the most important thing for life, and economy.

This week we will explore ways to collect water, from rainwater to recycling our own water waste. We will explore ways to store, purify, and recycle water.

Please join us tomorrow for the continuation of Water Woes part 2.

Brett