World Water Day

Last Monday was World Water Day. Many Third World Countries live in conditions like this:


Its a boy swimming in Manila Bay, in the Philippines.

Even though its a bit late, be conscious of your water use because here are some facts:

1. Water problems affect half of humanity:

   • Some 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation.
   • Almost two in three people lacking access to clean water survive on less than $2 a day, with one in three living on less than $1 a day.
   • More than 660 million people without sanitation live on less than $2 a day, and more than 385 million on less than $1 a day.
   • Access to piped water into the household averages about 85% for the wealthiest 20% of the population, compared with 25% for the poorest 20%.
   • 1.8 billion people who have access to a water source within 1 kilometre, but not in their house or yard, consume around 20 litres per day. In the United Kingdom the average person uses more than 50 litres of water a day flushing toilets (where average daily water usage is about 150 liters a day. The highest average water use in the world is in the US, at 600 liters day.)
   • Some 1.8 million child deaths each year as a result of diarrhea
     
   • The loss of 443 million school days each year from water-related illness.
   • Close to half of all people in developing countries suffering at any given time from a health problem caused by water and sanitation deficits.
   • Millions of women spending several hours a day collecting water.
   • To these human costs can be added the massive economic waste associated with the water and sanitation deficit.… The costs associated with health spending, productivity losses and labour diversions … are greatest in some of the poorest countries. Sub-Saharan Africa loses about 5% of GDP, or some $28.4 billion annually, a figure that exceeds total aid flows and debt relief to the region in 2003

So next time when you're in the bathroom, just be aware.