Olivia Marrero
A problem on the rise in not only in the United States but also around the world is water scarcity. One would think about how much water there is on our plant and ask how we have a water scarcity. Only 2% of the warts water is freshwater, the the others 98% is ocean water. Some random facts about water scarcity are: The Ogallala Aquifer is being drained at a rate of approximately 800 gallons per minute. Right now, the United States uses approximately 148 trillion gallons of fresh water a year, and there is no way that is sustainable in the long run. Approximately 40 percent of all rivers in the United States and approximately 46 percent of all lakes in the United States have become so polluted that they are no longer fit for human use and every 8 seconds, somewhere in the world a child dies from drinking polluted water.
A quarter of the world’s people live in areas characterized by physical water scarcity. Looking at all these facts, the question pops up, “What is the government doing about this water problem?" As of right now the government is doing nothing about it this problem. Instead the govern ment desires to shift its attention on other things like the war in Syria or the ever increasing debt that the Unites States has. With so many other problems the government needs to desire wheather to take the water scarcity problem under there belts and come up with a plan about what they plan on doing. Water is extremely valube and with out it who knows what would happened, possibly WWIII. Every living thing needs water making it the most important aspect of life. The government could do a number of things about water shortage. But there are many people that believe that the government should not get involved because there already in control of so much.
Many believe that the government already has way too much control over everything we Americans do. That the government toys with us Americans like puppets. Personally, I think that the government needs to do something about the water shortages in the United States. There are many options to choose from when considering what the government can do. One option would be putting on regulations on how much water people can use according to where they live and how many people live in there house. This sounds ridiculous but it is just one way that the government could step in. The most important thing that the government should do is build water cleaning plant around the United States to help out with the shortage, cleaning the polluted water making it into clean drinking water. Is the government doing enough to make sure that the United States conserving the amount of water out race will need to last a life time.
http://www.infowars.com/30-facts-about-the-coming-water-crisis-that-will-change-the-lives-of-every-person-on-the-planet/
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/question157.htm
http://ge.geglobalresearch.com/blog/water-scarcity/
http://macaulay.cuny.edu/eportfolios/tomkiewiczs10/files/2010/04/Drought-Graph.jpg
I had no idea just how severe of a problem this water shortage was. From probably all of our perspectives as middle class Americans, water seems like an infinite resource but it clearly is not. We often take having running water for granted but like you said above every few seconds someone dies due to lack of water. Your article really does a good job of putting into perspective just how vital water is to humanity.
ReplyDeleteI had the exact same idea. I had no clue that there was this bad of a water shortage. I knew that the lakes and what not were polluted but I did not know that only 2% was fresh. I do agree that we take having running water for granted.
DeleteI agree. It's weird to think that we have a water shortage when it seems that we are surrounded by it. Personally I don't think that it's crazy that the government hasn't noticed this yet because they have so much else to think about. However I do agree that the government should step in and help us to conserve water. I don't feel that we should put a limit on how much water use but rather find a more humane way to save it.
ReplyDeleteI understand that water is scarce, and that it causes a lot of problems regarding sustainability in our environment for the population. We may be the problem that this shortage is happening but why let the government step in? Honestly, we all know what happens when the government steps in - they will do something stupid like limiting the water we use in our houses. Personally, that idea is absurd. They do in fact have a lot of control over a lot of things, but for water? And for water to begin a World War III? Let's check that out when it happens. I don't know of a great way to save water because it is scarce but someone out there can. However, your post itself, you put out a great message describing how important water is in our society. There's only so much people can do to control it. It's the biggest need in the world.
ReplyDeleteThere are plenty of ways to get more freshwater, some are just more costly than others. digging wells would be one of the easiest ways, for example farmers use underground aquifers to water their crops. saltwater can be purified to become drinkable. so long as we don't pollute major bodies of water, there will never be a water crisis.
ReplyDeleteThis made me realize just how severe of a problem water shortage is. It is such an essential thing for all life, that I agree, we need to be doing more to conserve it. I like the idea of a water regulation, and another thing we can do is buy more water conservative appliances like washers and dishwashers. This may seem like it will only help in a small way, but if everyone did it, could have a big impact.
ReplyDeleteYou stated that the government wasn't doing anything to help the people living in areas with water scarcity, but a lot of the time the government can't do anything about it. There are some locations in the world where natural spring water is much more difficult to come by and isn't as abundant as it is in other parts of the world. The only solution I see is to send more bottled and purified water to that area, but that is more of a business role for a company than a government role. Very well written blog post by the way.
ReplyDeleteI agree that water is very scarce and it is becoming a huge problem around the world but I don’t think the government can do too much to help this problem. The government cannot create more water but they can help our country become more aware of how to conserve and use water more efficiently. You did make me more aware of this very serious problem, and your blog post was very informative.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of what you're saying, but, I do believe that the government is aware of this water scarcity situation but they think other problems are important at the moment; which is very stupid on their part in the long-run because water is extremely important. One thing the government should really focus on to help water scarcity is turning saltwater (from the ocean) into freshwater since there is 98% saltwater to freshwater ratio according to your article. Anyways, good job!
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ReplyDeleteI don't agree with your post, nor do I support most of your claims. World War 3 created from a water shortage? Some of your information is quite informative and well put together though. Water is a renewable resource, and salt water can be converted into safe drinkable water; therefore I don't see any issues arising in the future.
ReplyDeleteI never realized what it would be like if we actually ran out of water. I feel like chaos would just break out and like Olivia said WWIII would most likely occur. Water is such an important resource and after reading this essay, I realized our world cannot function without the use of water. Plants need water which provide us with food in the long run, along with other resources as well. Most importantly we need water! I know it sounds obvious, but without water nothing would exist in my opinion. I feel like there should be a drastic change in our world to preserve natural water sources because if we don't act soon, our entire world may go crashing down!
ReplyDeleteThere are already water treatment pants working around the U.S. The problem most of the time like in Milwaukee is that the water is so polluted that they cannot actually get everything out of the water. There was a problem that recently occurred where the waste from peoples houses would get dumped into the river or lake and downstream would be the treatment plant. So if you were to take painkillers it would flow downstream and end up in somebody else's water. So the government is already trying to step in, in that aspect but it isn't really working to well
ReplyDeleteThere really isn't that much of a problem with the water supply in the US. We have technology to make the water clean and drinkable but the fact is right now the marginal cost to make these plants is the worth the marginal benefit. If one day there is a larger need for clean water then the government or private business would step in to solve this problem. Also in Africa there is more a lack of money and facilities than lack of technology or governmental want
ReplyDeleteI know that computers are becoming more advanced which makes it nice for the younger generation, but what about the older generation, they haven't grown up with the advanced technology like we have. Computers are taking over jobs that we could give to the unemployment but instead we have a computer do it because its cheaper. I know that companies want to make things cheaper but they should spend a few more dollars to keep people employed. How would the top management feel if they where replaced by computers. I think we can advance computers but people should get the priority of a job over a computer
ReplyDeleteGarrett, I'm assuming you mean to post this on Kelly's blog.
DeleteGarrett, I'm assuming you mean to post this on Kelly's blog.
DeleteOlivia – I found a great website for you to look at. http://thewaterproject.org/why-water.php?gclid=CKT4gtu-6rkCFcSd4AodxGAAWQ. Fixing the water problem would enhance education, break the cycle of poverty, lead to better heath (safe water, clean hands, healthy bodies), and stop hunger because access to water equals food security. The government could easily solve this problem but projects like The water project can help too.
ReplyDeleteHey Olivia! This is a great topic. I agree with you to an extent. I think the US has done well with water supply, however, there is always room for improvement. Maggie talked about "The Water Project" which is a great effort to increase water supply in struggling countries, but I definitely think there is more we could do as such a rich country. Water should not be scarce anywhere. It is more about providing the right filters to those less fortunate areas. If it was up to me I would use our money to buy water filters instead of using it to send troops overseas. By partaking in war, we are just increasing the poverty and instability of a nation. Water can act as wealth.
ReplyDeleteHumans in general don’t like to change until the problem directly affects them. Personally, I never wore my bike helmet until I got in an accident with a car. Now I always wear my helmet. Until water scarcity is in Americans’ heads we will continue down the same path. We will only deviate when we are forced of our path. Too much fresh water is flush down the toilet and ten minute showers really have to be cut down.
ReplyDeleteThis article illuminates some of the issues that occur within the United States and in the world. However, you suggest that the government helps with this issue while also bringing up the other larger issues the government has to deal with at the moment. I would think that if you wanted to help the areas that suffer from water scarcity, you could suggest a few charities or donations that people could do to assist with this problem. The government can help the people but with the political situation being the way that it is, the two parties would spend another few years debating on how to do it - leaving millions of Americans without clean water to drink.
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty, I didn't know that our water was scarce. I thought communities in other countries were the only ones with scarce water. I understand a lot of people believe the government already has too much control and in some aspects I can also agree. However, water is needed everywhere, it's an essential key to life and we as a human population can't do anything to make a big stand or make drastic choices. I think the government is needed in the case and should take a stand as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteA good question to ponder is whether it is the government's job to control water supply and shortages. In our market economy, how big of a role should we allow the government to play? While water shortage is a pressing issue we should caution ourselves with allowing the government too much control. It is our duty as American citizens to discover a solution through technological advances and intelligence.
ReplyDeleteOlivia, I wouldn't exactly say the government isn't doing anything to solve the problem, however, they should be doing more. Like Elli said though, its hard to decide how big of a role the government should play without stripping the people's freedom. I didn't realize how small the amount of water we actually had was and I think if everyone tried to cut back on the amount they use, a difference could be made.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the majority of your points are valid and your entire paper does make people concerned for the growing scarcity of our water supply, it is very unlikely that the government, even if they were to step in and try to do something about it, would be able to do anything, unless they begin making laws stating that one household can only use so much water per day, week, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt's really sad to hear about all the facts that cause people to suffer from water scarcity but in the common day people die everyday no matter what whether it be from polluted water to no water, to contaminated food or to starvation. Along with the government comment the government doesn't just do nothing I mean they do address the problem you just dont see it being done because of how much we cant do anything because of money reasons. Think about it, sadly would we rather spend trillions of dollars on figuring out this water issue or figure out a way to solve our economic issues and get out of a recession. It's not that the government isn't doing anything it's that the government cant.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with you on how the government really needs to focus on the most important aspects. Although they are doing a good job with being conserned with war and how much trillions of dollars we are in debt, they need to realize how serious water scarcity is. With no government in control of water shortage, our population will decrease double due to the increase of the amount of deaths there could be. I really like this topic you choosed because it's something I think a lot of people often over look.
ReplyDeleteOne would think that water is one of the last things that the United States needs to worry about, but in reality it's a factor just like everything else. You did a great job of surfacing this problem but your post didn't relate to economics. It was more of an environmental science post than anything. However, I do see where the lack of water can contribute into the economy in a negative fashion. It would make the price of water go up and make people be conscious with their money. The main reason for this problem is actual the ever-growing population issue, where there are just too many humans and animals for the environmental capital needed to support them.
ReplyDeleteGood job Olivia! Water scarcity is a pressing issue that is easily overlooked and not brought into consideration much. I agree though with others, the U.S should put its money and resources into water filtration systems in other and less fortunate countries rather than the United States. Clean, healthy, and safe drinking water can and will lead to only positive things in third world countries. Here in America we can all contribute to water scarcity by taking shorter showers, wearing clothes more than once without washing them, etc...Do you have any more suggestions on how to help improve water scarcity around the world?
ReplyDeleteEven though water is not as available in desert countries of the world, water itself is not scarce. Water gets renewed through weather--rain, fog, snow. Everyone uses it and it would be assumed that without our weather it would be gone from our Earth. However, the weather does allow for water to not be scarce. It’s available to everyone and not a specific group. If people live in the desert and do not have immediate access to water, they will eventually gravitate toward where water can be obtained. The United States shouldn't put it's focus into water scarcity because it is not a main issue for our country.
ReplyDeleteWater I think in certain places is more limited than in others, but overall water itself itself there is plenty. Many people think that water can be very dirty so now we have filters that we are able to buy Brita makers and other things but what most don't know is that the water is cleaned throughout rain, and snow. Water is everywhere throughout our world without water most things couldn't live and Earth wouldn't be as efficient. Deserts really lack water, if someone were to try and survive there it would be very difficult so they would need to move to a different area where water is available so they can live. We have many issues going on the the U.S. but water may be one but it is not the top of our list.
ReplyDeleteI feel like water scarcity should be a first priority. While the government is putting in effort to help improve this nationwide issue, they should be doing more. From your post I am still unclear as to how significantly this is effecting our economic system. The demographics in the U.S. are not that bad, while in Africa there is a 180 degree difference. I am curious to know statistically how much impact this has on the US economy.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. As of now, the government is doing absolutely nothing about the problem and is letting people waste as much water as they want although it is not unlimited. For example, if a kid left a hose on their parent would be much faster about turning it off if there were regulations on their water limit instead of just letting it run. As long as the regulations are within reason I believe they should be made so that we can make our supply of water last as long as possible instead of waiting until there is none left.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you in saying that the government should be more involved in providing clean water for the people. They could do a number of things just like you said. They could provide wells or any other thing that will help us turn dirty water into clean water. Then again, it does not have to be the government that starts the change. We as consumer produce a demand for clean water. That is going to want to make producers please us and come up with a way to provide us with what we want and actually need. Bottled water could become much more popular and that producer will be making a lot of money because there IS such a huge demand for it.
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