Water Scarcity: The Importance of Water & Access
Water is scarce. Yet, we take it for granted, we waste it, and we even pay too much to drink it from little plastic bottles.
Today, nearly 1 billion people in the developing world don't have access to it.
Clean, safe drinking water is scarce. It is the foundation of life, a basic human need. Yet today, all around the world, far too many people spend their entire day searching for it.
The importance of access to clean water cannot be overstated.
What is Water Scarcity?
Simply put, water scarcity is either the lack of enough water (quantity) or lack of access to safe water (quality).
It's hard for most of us to imagine that clean, safe water is not something that can be taken for granted. But, in the developing world, finding a reliable source of safe water is often time consuming and expensive. This is known as economic scarcity. Water can be found...it simply requires more resources to do it.
In other areas, the lack of water is a more profound problem. There simply isn't enough. That is known as physical scarcity.
The problem of water scarity is a growing one. As more people put ever increasing demands on limited supplies, the cost and effort to build or even maintain access to water will increase. And water's importance to political and social stability will only grow with the crisis.
Read more about Water Scarcity
What Can Be Done?
RC Holy Cross Primary School, Sierra Leone
A new well and sanitation facilities for a school in Sierra Leone.
Country: Sierra Leone
Project Type: WAsH for Schools
Lungi Benke SL Church School
A new well for a school in Sierra Leone
Country: Sierra Leone
Project Type: WAsH for Schools
DEC Mahera Primary School
A new well and latrine for a school in Sierra Leone
Country: Sierra Leone
Project Type: WAsH for Schools
Tenoule Community Rehab
A well is being repaired and restored for a community.
Country: Burkina Faso
Project Type: Well Rehab
In some places, it is simply dry. Water is hard to find. In others, this most critical need is literally only a few feet below ground waiting to sustain life.
The Water Project, Inc. is a non-profit organization working to provide access to clean water to people in developing nations who suffer needlessly without it.
With our team of supporters we're funding clean water projects like water wells and rain catchment systems.
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about "The Water Challenge"
“This project started with two girls just wanting to help, but finished with a whole school contributing to what we feel is a very helpful, compassionate cause.”
- Shelby C., H.S. Student
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