The Global Water Crisis: What Travelers Need To Know

February 4, 2021

If you’re a seasoned traveler, you’d want to pay attention to this article because we’re going to talk about what you need to know about the global water crisis.

Sounds good?

Alright, let’s dive in.

Even though 70% of our planet is made up of water, this essential commodity is still scarce in many areas of the world.

Studies suggest that 1.1 billion people don’t have access to clean water with 2.7 billion lacking water at least one month per year.

Besides, two-thirds of the world’s population may experience water shortages by 2025 according to a global water report by best custom essay.

Undoubtedly, there is a global water crisis. Unfortunately, water is an essential commodity that we need for cooking, handwashing, drinking, growing food, bathing, etc.

Access to clean water can bring development. When people have plenty of clean water, more time that could be spent on looking for this essential commodity is saved, people can enjoy good health and children can go to school.

Besides, access to clean water can unlock economic prosperity and improved health.

What Travelers Need to Know About The Global Water Crisis

The one thing travelers can’t miss on their bucket list is water. Because without water, there is no brushing of teeth and bathing.

Besides, the fact that we’re advised to stay hydrated at all times makes water a must-have thing for anyone traveling.

Sadly, most travelers aren’t aware of the grave water scarcity experienced in their destination countries; and how water shortages can affect them.

Travelers are also said to be “lazy” when it comes to proper water usage.

Well, perhaps they aren’t aware of how scarce this vital commodity in the regions they are traveling or they are just being ignorant.

According to assignmentholic.co.uk/our-services/assignment, countries with frequent water shortages as well as areas where water is plentiful have experienced serious health concerns for many years.

Researchers say that health concerns will deteriorate if no proper measures are put in place when it comes to water shortages.

Global Water Crisis Facts

The global water crisis facts as compiled by World Vision.

• More than 1 out of every 10 people face insufficient drinking water.
• Women and girls spend over 200 million hours on obtaining water every day.
• The average woman in rural areas in Africa walks 6 kilometers every day to fetch 40 pounds of freshwater.
• Over 800 children under 5 years die from diarrhea caused by poor sanitation due to lack of water.
• 2.3 billion people don’t have access to basic sanitation
• Over 892 million people do open defecation.

The Benefits of Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene for Children and Families

Lives can be improved and poverty can be fought by investing in clean water as well as providing people with basic sanitation and hygiene education.

Here are some of the benefits of ensuring children and families have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education.

Improved health

Investing in water, hygiene, and sanitation programs can help to prevent the spread of water-related diseases hence reducing child deaths.

Cases of malnourishment on kids can also go down as kids get more nutrition from the food they eat.

Children education is also improved

Children can use the time they could have spent looking for water to go to school and excel as they are healthy.

Improved family income

The money spent on treating water-related illnesses leaves families battling poverty.

When there is plenty of water, families can spend the money on other development projects.

Water can also be used for watering gardens and livestock or used for many other income-generating activities.

Effects of Lack of Clean Water on Women and Girls

Lack of clean water affects women and girls severely. In developing countries, they are the ones tasked with fetching water for their families.

As seen above, women and girls spend approximately 200 million hours fetching water every day.

This means that by the end of the day, they are exhausted to the extent that they don’t get time to spend with their families, go to school or undertake income-generating activities.

Lack of clean water also makes adolescent girls who have reached menstruation drop out of school.

That’s why health organizations are investing in schools to ensure there is enough sanitary supply, clean water, and hygiene education.

Impact of Water Shortages

Countries that face water shortages experience poor sanitation hence cases of cholera and diarrhea are high. In fact, 842,000 people die every year from diarrhea caused by drinking unsafe drinking water or poor sanitation practices.

This problem doesn’t only affect only those who live in countries with water shortages alone though.

Usually, people use the available water (which could have been contaminated) to wash fruits, dishes, vegetables, and many other things.

When traveling, you might think that buying bottled water keeps you safe from health problems associated with water shortages but think about the fruits you eat on the way or the food you eat in the hotels.

No one is safe.

That’s why some industries like the travel sector are imposing water rules such as water rationing, and many others. Brazil, Rome, South Africa, and Puerto Rico are just a few examples of countries with “water rules”.

The water crisis is also a threat to ecosystems. For instance, the disappearance of wetlands experienced in some areas of Florida, California, and many others leaves water animals with no place to call home.

Deterioration of the economy and the increased poverty rate is also another serious impact of water scarcity according to the poverty report published by the fast essay writing service.

The amount of time spent looking for water could be used to invest in developments and other important things.

Areas with water crisis also face a lack of food and increased cost. As the cost of producing food crops goes up, producers have no choice but to increase the cost of food.

Cases of increased violence and social conflicts are also high in number in countries with increased food costs.

After all, it is expected. People will do everything it takes to get food and sometimes this could involve violence.

Well, of course even in the countries where water is plenty, it is expected to face problems associated with unclean water especially in Thailand. Mind you, this is one of the travel destinations for many people.

So, how can travelers stay safe while enjoying their holidays in these places?

This takes us to the next topic:

Preventive Measures When Using Water

Here are some preventive measures to stay safe while using water for travelers.

Prioritize hand-washing

The COVID-19 has taught people many lessons, one of them being “always wash your hands thoroughly”.

We have also been directed to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers especially when water is scarce.

For travelers, besides using hand sanitizers, always wash your hands thoroughly.

Sterilize water before using it

While most airplanes will have plenty of local water in their holding tanks, this water could contain viruses and bacteria.

As a rule, you should sterilize water before you use it for drinking or brushing your teeth.

Get a cholera vaccination

Well, taking the cholera vaccination doesn’t keep you 100% safe from catching the disease but it is also a good preventive measure, especially when coupled with these other methods.

Consider using bottled water

Of course, travelers can use treated and piped-in water but sometimes the minerals or chemicals used when treating water can cause stomach problems for people with allergies.

Do thorough homework before traveling

Sometimes it helps to spend some time researching your travel destination.

This will help travelers know what to expect- the rate of water shortage, diseases related to excess water or water scarcity, etc.

The good news is that there is a ton of resources on the internet where travelers can find water-related information about different places across the globe.

The Global Water Forum and Water.org are some of the credible resources to find informed updates concerning the global water crisis.

How to Become a Steward of The World’s Fresh Water Supply

Adjust your water consumption

If you’re coming from places with plenty of freshwater supply, you’re probably used to taking almost an hour taking a shower.

Now, if you researched your destination and found that there is a limited supply of freshwater then you need to adjust your water consumption to fit the place you’re traveling to. This could involve reducing the time you spend bathing or using an as little amount of water as possible.

Be supportive when it comes to water conservation

Travelers can use some dollars to support water conservation-related initiatives in their travel destinations as well.

Truthfully, the solution to the global water crisis can come from coordinated efforts and honest commitment from every party- travelers, hotels, destination countries, and everyone affected.

Each one has a role to play when it comes to water conservation because the consequences of water shortages affect everyone.

Final Word

There is more to be done when it comes to fighting the global water crisis. However, as government agencies or health organizations continue to find ways of solving water scarcity, travelers need to spend more of their time knowing what to expect in their destination countries.

Author Bio:

Charlie Svensson is a seasoned traveler who has spent many years exploring news about the global water crisis. He also does consultation on matters of water, sanitation, and hygiene at Dissertation Today. Svensson has also been the editor at essay writing service and has contributed a ton of expert advice around water shortages on the best essay writing services UK blog.