Water Secure Community

THE NEED FOR CREATING WATER SECURE COMMUNITIES

Of all the social and natural crises we face, water scarcity touches every facet of life, from the health of children to the ability of nations to secure food for their citizens. Finding out ways to handle this scarcity becomes all the more important in view of global warming and its predicted impact of creating a water crisis.

The poor continue to be the worst affected with 50 per cent of the population in the developing countries exposed to polluted water sources. The per capita water supply decreased by a third between 1970 and 1990. Water demand, on the other hand, has almost doubled in the last 50 years. What’s worse, the water quality continues to worsen. The developed countries consume 30 to 50 times of the water resources as compared to the developing world.

Even now, water supplies across the world are falling while its demand is growing at a rate that is impossible to meet. Over the next 20 years, the average supply of water world-wide per person is expected to drop by a third. If present consumption patterns continue, two out of every three persons on the earth will have to live in water-stressed conditions by the year 2025.

world-water-map1

As can be seen from the above figure, most of the developing world suffers from varying degrees of water stress whereas most of the developed world has little or no water stress. In terms of the human impact of water scarcity and the potential it holds for triggering conflict, this scenario highlights the importance of creating ‘WATER SECURE’ nations and communities. Using a mix of new technology, traditional water wisdom and participative water management practices, it is now possible to ensure adequate availability of water to all.

However, if we fail to do so, the next wars may well be fought for WATER.

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