Access to Clean Water Is a Life Changing Experience. Essay Example

and bacteria that could cause diseases, further undermining our body's functions.

Polluted water can contribute to the proliferation of widespread epidemics and deadly illnesses such as respiratory diseases and intestinal infections, particularly in large communities without access to potable water. Diarrhea is one of the most prevalent and fatal conditions, primarily resulting from poor hygiene and substandard sanitation practices. Annually, diarrheal diseases account for 1.5 million fatalities, positioning them as the primary source of infections. Individuals suffering from these ailments often succumb to a condition of illness and hopelessness, which eventually leads to lethal outcomes.

The lifestyle of individuals without sanitation, such as toilets and personal hygiene, would resemble that of animals. The absence of toilets deprives females of their privacy, a situation faced by half of the girls attending schools globally. Furthermore, these individuals experience degradation, shame, and a loss of their dignity. An example from Madagascar highlights a 25-year-old mother and her five children from Andoakaola who had no choice but to gather water from a polluted, muddy pool infested with flies and animals.

The generous assistance from WaterAid in the establishment of a well has significantly improved this woman's life. She can now maintain proper cleanliness and ensure her children lead a healthy, sanitary lifestyle. However, water quality still remains an issue. Imagine having to travel several kilometers just to obtain water. In Kenya, women and young girls are required to walk six kilometers daily, multiple times a day for water retrieval. Likewise, in India, women undertake six round trips carrying 15-liter buckets of water on their heads that amounts to approximately ten miles.

Every year, 40 billion

hours are spent by Africans on the arduous task of transporting water. This heavy responsibility predominantly falls on women and girls who undertake lengthy journeys to collect water from rivers or streams. Regrettably, these sources often carry impurities and there is a constant struggle with wildlife and animals for the same water source. However, enhancing access to pure water can profoundly impact individual lives and rural communities.

Should the obligation for women and young girls around the globe to travel great lengths for water be removed, it would result in a saving of 152 million labor hours. These saved hours could be put to better use. By freeing up this time, girls could gain access to education by attending school, and women could seek jobs that would aid them in supporting their families. Furthermore, removing these strenuous journeys can prevent them from both physical fatigue as well as potential risks such as injuries or sexual violence.

Moreover, an improved supply of clean water can boost the growth of crops and plants in agricultural irrigation, thereby guaranteeing enough food for the population. This could result in better health conditions for villages or communities, eventually leading to longer life spans. Several non-governmental organizations including WaterAid and WaterisLife are actively involved in projects that aim to improve water supplies and provide small communities with access to clean water. These projects include building wells, filters, catchments, rehabilitations, pipes, and other water systems.

In Mali, specifically in the community of Nafadji, residents face the detrimental effects of an inadequate and unpredictable water supply. The wells often run dry, forcing women and children to embark on a 1.5-kilometer

journey to collect water. To compound the issue, the lack of proper water protection leads to frequent contamination. As a result, diseases spread rapidly throughout the community, leading to high mortality rates and low life expectancy. However, a collaboration between WaterAid's partner, Jigi, and Nafadji has resulted in the implementation of reliable water drainage and latrines to address these challenges.

Besides advocating for proper hygiene standards, the quality of life in the community has greatly enhanced. This enhancement has elicited joy and appreciation among the residents. Education is now within reach for children, and women have more hours to devote to familial duties and domestic chores. The collective health of the community has flourished with zero cases of diarrhea recorded. As a result, individuals are leading satisfied lives without any interruptions. These affirmative transformations coincide with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the United Nations that strives towards cultivating an improved global habitat.

A direct connection exists between the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and water availability impacts. Enhancing access to pure water not only propels us closer to accomplishing the MDGs but also mitigates various adverse outcomes. Presently, the time invested in fetching water inhibits people from seeking employment or participating in farming activities, inducing a deficiency of income that sustains poverty. However, by setting up wells and pumps, obtaining water becomes more convenient and faster, promoting cultivation practices for crops and vegetables. This kind of agriculture establishes a lasting food supply which aids in eliminating extreme hunger and impoverishment. Moreover, making the task of collecting water simpler offers girls additional time for their studies.

In many schools, the lack of

adequate sanitation infrastructure is a significant barrier to girls' attendance, particularly during their periods. Hence, enhancing these facilities can help offer young girls an opportunity for education and contribute towards achieving universal education. To promote gender equality more effectively, it's highly recommended that women play a participatory role in all community initiatives. This involvement helps them gain comprehensive knowledge about water sources and motivates them to educate others on hygiene and cleanliness practices.

Incorporating women into these initiatives can greatly enhance their status in society. Waterborne disease, diarrhea, is the primary reason for child deaths worldwide, claiming 5,000 lives each day. As such, providing access to pure water aligns with the fourth Millennium Development Goal (MDG), which seeks to decrease mortality rates among children under five by two-thirds. Safe and unpolluted water is critical for expectant mothers to guard themselves against lethal illnesses like malaria. Hence, these endeavors assist in accomplishing the fifth MDG that targets enhancement of maternal health and the sixth MDG committed to combating AIDS and malaria.

The seventh objective of the MDG is dedicated to guaranteeing environmental sustainability. This goal includes a component aimed at reducing by half the population lacking access to clean water. In addition, it tackles concerns about water usage and its management for securing future supplies. Achieving this is vital for the eighth objective which centers on creating a global development partnership. Access to water plays a key role in both economic and human growth as it allows for healthier populations with enough time for productivity.

UNICEF, a respected governmental body, has shown remarkable generosity to individuals around the globe who do not have

access to clean water. This entity has effectively accomplished various projects intended for aiding children and mothers in underdeveloped nations. A key instance is the UNICEF Tap Project of 2007 that contributed $2.5 million in the US to provide worldwide clean water access for children. The donated capital was employed in UNICEF's programs related to water, sanitation, and hygiene leading to transformative outcomes for numerous people.

Fresh water is now readily available in Cote D'Ivoire thanks to the installation of water pumps, greatly benefiting two young girls - Suzanne and Claudia. This advancement eliminates their need to travel three miles daily for water, thereby enabling them to consistently attend school. Furthermore, a hygiene education program was recently launched by UNICEF at Pina Elementary School in the Philippines this past October. As part of this initiative, students were taught proper handwashing and tooth brushing techniques - essential measures in fighting off diseases. Studies show that accurate handwashing can decrease diarrhea risk by 40 percent.

During November, Syrian refugees have been grappling with problems like water scarcity, insufficient sanitation facilities, and diarrhea. UNICEF has launched a water voucher initiative to tackle these challenges, where each issued voucher provides sufficient water for a family for one month (three gallons per person daily). However, the effort has only benefited 5,000 individuals so far which is significantly less than their goal of aiding 100,000 people. The plan is to persist with this program in an attempt to support at least 50,000 refugees.

The United Nations, in collaboration with entities such as UNESCO and UNICEF, has been making concerted efforts to accomplish the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), yielding

substantial progress that has positively affected countless individuals. Nevertheless, fully achieving these MDGs remains a significant hurdle. The objective to reduce by half the number of people without access to water has been achieved successfully, supplying two billion individuals with potable water. However, there are still approximately 783 million people who do not have access to clean water. Anthony Lake, serving as UNICEF's Executive Director, recognizes these formidable figures but maintains that through persistent determination, collective action and financial backing, the goals outlined by MDG can be met. Although some progress has been made towards this specific MDG target, it appears improbable that we will manage to equip 75 percent of the world's population with improved sanitation facilities over the next two years; currently only 63 percent benefit from such services.

Research indicates that only an estimated maximum of 67% of people worldwide will have access to clean water. The absence of uncontaminated water in many communities and villages is a pressing global matter. This issue can be mitigated by ensuring equal rights for everyone, both morally and materially. It's inequitable that while developed nations enjoy abundant clean water supplies for day-to-day living, industry, agriculture and livestock rearing, other areas grapple with food shortage, health problems and unhygienic conditions due to polluted water.

Denying a group of people, whose number surpasses the US population by 2.5 times, access to clean water and condemning them to suffer is morally wrong. It's even more upsetting that many overlook this global crisis which could be alleviated through measures like building wells, water systems, and installing filters and pipes for water purification. We might not have the

power to totally eradicate this worldwide issue or stop every death resulting from it but we can certainly act to curb its further escalation. This underlines the second reason why lack of clean water access remains a pressing global concern.

Consuming polluted water can result in grave repercussions. As per data, such contaminated water could cause diarrheal diseases, which propagate swiftly and might be as lethal as the diarrhea. Astoundingly, every day 700,000 children lose their lives due to diarrhea, ranking it higher than both AIDS and malaria in terms of mortality. Hence, diarrhea is deemed one of the most rapidly transmitted diseases across the globe. Regarding SUSTAINABILITY: This term denotes the maintenance and protection of a water resource.

Reflect on the substantial commitment of time and resources that entities put into building wells or water systems to supply potable water, considering the rigorous endeavors often undertaken by women and children to access it. Preserving our water sources is essential as it could reduce the requirement for such severe actions. Water is a scarce resource globally, yet it's vital for all types of life. Regrettably, 97 percent of global water reserves are not suitable for drinking. Moreover, two-thirds of the surviving three percent are ensnared in ice caps.

Just one percent of the world's water is clean and fresh, emphasizing the importance of stringent protection and conservation measures. By using cost-effective sustainable technologies tailored to particular geographical conditions, WaterAid ensures proper maintenance and operation of the water source. A practical method for safely collecting rainwater without risk of contamination or evaporation involves establishing a collection system, preventing potential losses due to evaporation

or pollution.

Steps taken to safeguard springs include erecting a fence to deter animals and building a concrete wall equipped with drainage pipes for maintaining hygiene after bucket filling. Creation of underground dams is another initiative towards resource preservation. Furthermore, WaterAid imparts practical training on water sanitation to village residents. Particularly in Cambodia, WaterAid is presently working on the construction of a rainwater storage tank with a capacity of 10,000 liters that will cater to seven homes.

Kosovo is industriously striving for the protection and enduring use of its water resources by building strong water systems, along with waste control and sanitation methods to avert river pollution. The Village Water Committee plays a crucial role in this effort by teaching rural societies how to manage and repair their own water networks, thus assisting in procuring, preserving, and safeguarding water. It's critical to recognize that having access to pure water significantly affects people's lives.

Charities like WaterAid have made remarkable strides in ensuring worldwide water accessibility. Encouraging stories of their impact can be heard from nations such as Madagascar, Malawi, and Mali. This has notably empowered young women. Secure water access does more than providing women and girls with opportunities for education and employment; it also reduces disease transmission by promoting sanitary living environments for everyone. It allows individuals to maintain hygiene, cook food, and have comfortable bathing experiences. Furthermore, these beneficial transformations have greatly enriched entire communities.

The implementation of sand filters and rainwater gathering systems has drastically enhanced the quality of life in Cambodia. Twenty years ago, people typically lived to about 50; now, they often live into their late

sixties. Whereas the population previously endured constant hardship and instability, these contemporary improvements have brought them considerable joy and enthusiasm. Irrespective of a nation's development status, it is vital that all citizens are afforded equal chances to lead a satisfying life. The availability of clean water significantly contributes to improving emotional, physical, and mental health.

The international community, inclusive of individuals, local collectives, NGOs and governments has made notable strides in providing access to clean water for underprivileged communities. There's been a significant growth in the spirit of cooperation and heightened consciousness towards helping those less privileged. However, the sobering truth is that approximately 783 million people worldwide still lack access to safe potable water. WaterAid has risen as a crucial contributor by supplying unpolluted water to 1.6 million people and sanitation facilities to an extra 1.9 million during 2011-2012; they've initiated a new project which delivers fresh water resources for an added hundred individuals every hour.

From the 1st to the 30th of December in 2011, WaterisLife successfully garnered over $45,000 USD through generous contributions from individual supporters. These benefactors showed remarkable generosity by donating $30 within a month. In addition, WaterisLife is cooperating with NGOs such as WaterAid and others to establish wells and water channels for fresh water distribution. Numerous entities are joining forces to positively influence global change, however, there's still a lot left that needs addressing. Presently, about two billion people worldwide do not have access to sanitation services. Enhancing sanitary conditions in communities and educational institutions has become a top priority for organizations like the UN and WaterAid. Studies indicate that merely washing hands using soap can

decrease diarrhea incidents by almost 40 percent. As individuals, we too can make a difference by supporting charitable bodies that offer sanitation services and advocate hygiene education among underserved populations. Collectively, we have the capability to effect substantial change.

Despite not yet reaching all our objectives, the pace of our advancement, resolve to triumph, persistent effort and readiness to aid those in need can enhance each person's ability to effect change in this world. Each goal we newly set or previously accomplished signifies the start of a fresh phase. The instant universal access to clean water is realized will signal a new epoch for humanity. REFERENCES: www.waterforlife.org/about.php www.wateraid.rg/uk/what_we_do/sustainable_technologies/default.asp www.wateraid.org/uk/what_we_do/the_need/3045.asp www.unesco.org/water/wwap/facts_figures/mdgs.shtml www.wateraid.org/uk/what_we_do/where_we_work/default.asp www.waterislife.com/projects/www.wateraid.org http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_waterwww.charitywater.org/whywater/www.wateraid.org.uk.learn_zone/homework/statistics/default http://water.org./learn-about-the-water-crisis/facts/http://www.tapproject.org/about/http://www.unicefusa/org/work/water/