According to Science, a human being can survive weeks without food but only days without water. Without water, dehydration sets in, and even if the person continues to breathe, they will go into shock and turn into a vegetative state.
In other words, without water, a living being simply cannot survive.
Yet, there are millions of people worldwide who do not have access to clean drinking water.
“Safe water, sanitation and hygiene at home should not be a privilege of only those who are rich or live in urban centers. These are some of the most basic requirements for human health, and all countries have a responsibility to ensure that everyone can access them,”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Doctor-General of WHO
We are all aware of the importance of clean water, but for some of us, have we sometimes taken it for granted? Sadly, clean water is still inaccessible for many and it will remain that way unless we extend our helping hand to those who are in dire conditions.
Exactly why is clean drinking water important? We decided to list 5 reasons why everyone needs a sustainable access to a clean water supply and safely managed sanitation.
1. Prevention of Diseases
If people are unable to drink safe, clean water, this will in turn give rise to various different kinds of diseases. The consumption and the presence of contaminated water are linked to transmission of deadly medical conditions such as cholera, typhoid, diarrhea and hepatitis A.
For some, the only thing they can drink is unclean water that comes from sewage and contaminated sites, exposing them to risks that they cannot avoid. Clean water is crucial not only to stay safe from disease, but also to maintain good health.
2. Provides Nourishment
Water is life.
It is an essential nutrient and as humans, we need to be sufficiently hydrated for our physiological systems to function. Water also helps to maintain organ health and allow blood to maintain the consistency it requires to flow freely and transport oxygen and nutrients to the different cells of the body.
3. Helps in getting rid of toxins
Clean water helps the body in getting rid of toxins. It flushes toxins and waste from the body and transports nutrients to where it is needed. Water keeps our organs functioning well as well as regulates our body temperature and metabolism. It is also important for the kidney systems – our kidneys use water to get rid of certain waste products.
Without enough water, your kidneys do not have the sufficient amount of fluid to do their job properly. Thus without water, you are more likely to be exposed to more illnesses.
4. Needed for Agriculture and Food Production
Other than our individual self, our economy also depends crucially on clean water – manufacturing, farming, tourism, recreation, energy production and other economic sectors rely on clean water to function and flourish.
For food production, clean water is an essential source. If the crops and grains are given contaminated water, the bacteria and disease will spread and affect those who consume the fresh produce. Hence, it is important that water that is utilised for agriculture must come from safe and clean resources.
5. Improved sanitation facilities
Clean water is also important for maintaining sanitation systems. Many communities living in dire situations without access to clean water, have no other option but to use deficient and poor communal latrines. Others are also forced to use the toilet outside, exposing them to various vulnerable situations.
Without a proper facility that safely separates human waste, exposed fecal matter can unknowingly be transferred to food and water. Additionally, inadequate hygiene practices due to the lack of clean water considerably increases the risk of contamination and widespread disease.
In an effort to provide more people worldwide with a supply of clean water, Global Ehsan Relief works with local experts and community members in the different communities to find the best sustainable solution. With every water point that we fund, our partners coordinate sanitation and hygiene training and establish a local committee to keep water flowing for many years to come.
Join us in our efforts to ensure more people worldwide have better access to clean water everyday.
