M5.2 Water

I was surprised to find out that earth contains 366 quintillion gallons of water, yet only 0.007% of that water is potable. Not only is the water supply dwindling, but also our population continues to grow. The U.S. consumes 151 gallons per day per capita compared to 5 gallons per day per capita in Africa. Water is expected as a basic human right, yet so many people have limited or no access at all. The Clean Water Act of 1972 aims to better regulate the water system and reduce overall pollution. While it has been effective in helping the overall water program, it simply isn’t enough. Water is essential to the human body, and access to clean sources can also help improve and maintain health.

Presidents such as President Nixon and President Reagan opposed such types of legislation, stating that the cost would be far too high. Yet the cost would be astronomical if our water sources were dirty and unpalatable. Our country and people would have high exposures to water-borne diseases such as dysentery or typhoid fever. Diseases that still plague third world country, but ones that the United States has moved past. With the recent history of drought in California, we need to be all the more cautious with maintaining water supply and sanitation by updating current legislation.