Global Crisis of drinking water: threat to public health

Global Crisis of drinking water: threat to public health

I. The nature and scale of the crisis of drinking water

A. Earth water resources: limb and distribution

1. The total volume of water on Earth: Assessment of the total volume of water on Earth, including salted and fresh water. Statistical data on the ratio of fresh and salt water. An illustration of the limb of water resources, emphasizing that most of the water is not available for a person’s consumption due to salinity, glaciers and deep groundwater.

2. Distribution of fresh water: Analysis of the distribution of fresh water according to various sources: glaciers and snow cover, groundwater, surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs). Assessment of the availability of each source for use. Statistical data on the percentage of fresh water contained in each source. Particular attention to an uneven geographical distribution leading to water deficits in certain regions.

3. Water cycle and its violation: Description of the natural water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation, drain). An explanation of how anthropogenic effects (climate change, deforestation, urbanization, pollution) violates this cycle, leading to changes in precipitation, increasing evaporation, reducing infiltration and strengthening drain. The consequences of a water cycle violation for the availability of drinking water.

B. Water deficit: global problem

1. Determination and types of water deficit: A clear definition of water deficit as a discrepancy between the needs in water and the available water resources. The distinction between the physical aqueous deficiency (lack of water in principle) and economic water shortage (lack of infrastructure or financial resources to ensure access to water).

2. Water deficit statistics: Presentation of current statistical data on the number of people living in conditions of water deficit. Analysis of the geographical distribution of water deficiency, the allocation of the most vulnerable regions (Africa, the Middle East, South Asia). Forecasts on the future increase in water deficit due to population growth, climate change and other factors. Links to UN reports and other international organizations.

3. Causes of water shortage: Detailed analysis of the main causes of water shortage:

   • Population growth: Increasing water demand for drinking, sanitation, agriculture and industry.
   • Change climate: Changing the precipitation (drought, floods), fever, melting of glaciers, increasing sea level (salting of fresh water).
   • Water pollution: The discharge of industrial waste, agricultural fertilizers and pesticides, household wastewater, leading to a decrease in the availability of pure drinking water.
   • Inefficient use of water: Outdated irrigation systems, leaks in water supply networks, irrational use of water in industry and everyday life.
   • Insufficient management of water resources: Lack of complex planning, weak legal framework, corruption.

C. Water exhaustion: Reducing quality and quantity

1. Determination of water exhaustion: An explanation of the concept of water exhaustion as a decrease in fresh water reserves as a result of excessive use and pollution. The distinction between the depletion of surface and groundwater.

2. Exclamation of groundwater: Description of the process of depletion of groundwater (aquifer) as a result of pumping water faster than it is replenished. Consequences: reducing groundwater level, shedding of the soil, salting of coastal aquifers, an increase in the cost of water production. Examples of regions faced with a serious depletion of groundwater (California, India, China).

3. Surface water pollution: Analysis of various sources of surface water pollution (rivers, lakes, reservoirs):

   • Industrial waste: Heavy metals, organic substances, chemicals dumped by industrial enterprises.
   • Agricultural drains: Fertilizers (nitrates, phosphates), pesticides, herbicides, soil erosion.
   • Household wastewater: Pathogenic microorganisms, organic substances, detergents, pharmaceuticals.
   • Mining industry: Drill acid waters containing heavy metals.
   • Oil and oil products.

4. The consequences of water exhaustion: The influence of water exhaustion on the ecosystem, agriculture, industry and human health. Review of the relationship between the quality and the amount of water.

II. Influence of the crisis of drinking water on the health of the population

A. Aqueous diseases: the burden of diseases

1. Classification of water disease: Separation of water diseases into various categories depending on transmission routes and pathogens:

   • Aqueous disease: Diseases transmitted when using infected water (cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis a, polio, diarrhea).
   • Aquatic diseases: Diseases transmitted through organisms living in water (malaria, schistosomosis, onhocercosis).
   • Vodvostic diseases: Diseases occurring due to lack of water for hygiene (trachoma, scabies).
   • Chemical diseases: Diseases caused by water pollution with chemicals (poisoning with arsenic, lead, nitrates).

2. Basic aqueous diseases and their distribution: A detailed description of the most common aqueous disease:

   • Diarrhea: Causes, symptoms, consequences (especially for children), global prevalence.
   • Cholera: The causative agent, transmission paths, symptoms, epidemics.
   • Typhus: The causative agent, transmission paths, symptoms, complications.
   • Hepatitis a: Virus, transmission paths, symptoms, vaccination.
   • Polio: Virus, transmission paths, consequences (paralysis), vaccination.
   • Schoolsome: Parasitic worm, life cycle, symptoms, geographical distribution.
   • Malaria: Carecinator (mosquito Anopheles), causative agent (Plasmodium), symptoms, prevention, geographical distribution.
   • Trachoma: Bacterial eye infection, leading to blindness, transmission paths, hygiene.

3. The influence of aqueous disease on child mortality: The emphasis that water diseases are one of the main causes of child mortality in developing countries. Statistical data on the number of children dying of aqueous disease annually. The role of water in the development and growth of children.

4. The economic consequences of water disease: The influence of aqueous diseases on the economy: costs of treatment, reducing labor productivity, loss of working days, slowing down economic development.

B. Chemical water pollution and human health

1. Arsenic: Sources of pollution with arsenic (geological processes, mining industry, pesticides), ways to enter the body, chronic poisoning with arsenic (arsenicosis), symptoms (lesion of the skin, nervous system, internal organs), increased risk of cancer. Examples of countries with a high level of pollution with arsenic (Bangladesh, India).

2. Fluorides: The effect of lack of fluoride on the health of the teeth. Fluorosis (excess fluorides), its manifestations and consequences. Sources of fluoride in water.

3. Nitrate: Sources of nitrate pollution (agricultural fertilizers, livestock, wastewater), ways to enter the body, methemoglobinemia (blue skin syndrome) in infants, increased risk of cancer.

4. Lead: Sources of lead pollution (old water pipes, industrial waste), ways to enter the body, neurotoxic effect of lead, especially dangerous for children. The influence of lead on mental development and behavior.

5. Pesticides and herbicides: Sources of pesticides and herbicides (agriculture), ways to enter the body, effect on the endocrine system, nervous system, reproductive system, increased risk of cancer.

6. Heavy metals: Sources of pollution with heavy metals (industry, mining industry), ways to enter the body, toxic effects of heavy metals on various organs and systems. Examples of heavy metals: mercury, cadmium, chrome.

7. Pharmaceuticals: The ingress of pharmaceuticals into water through wastewater, the effect on water organisms, potential risks for human health.

C. Sanitaryna and hygiene: Health Basics

1. The role of sanitation and hygiene in the prevention of aqueous disease: Emphasizing the importance of sanitation and hygiene to prevent the spread of aqueous disease. Overview of the main sanitary measures: safe storage of water, washing hands with soap, use of toilets, proper waste disposal.

2. The consequences of the absence of sanitation and hygiene: The influence of the lack of sanitation and hygiene on health: increased risk of infection with aqueous disease, chronic infections, growth and development in children, and a decrease in labor productivity.

3. Global initiatives to improve sanitation and hygiene: A review of global initiatives and programs aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene in developing countries. The role of the UN, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations.

D. Vulnerable groups of the population: children, women, poor

1. Children: Children’s special vulnerability to aqueous disease due to undeveloped immune system, dehydration and insufficient nutrition. The influence of water disease on growth, development and mental abilities of children.

2. Women: The role of women in providing water for the family. The influence of water deficiency on women’s health: heavy physical labor, increased risk of infections during pregnancy and childbirth. Social and economic consequences for women associated with water shortage.

3. Poor: The disproportionate influence of the water crisis on the poor in the population. Lack of access to pure water and sanitation, poor living conditions, insufficient nutrition, increased risk of infection with aqueous disease. The influence of the water crisis on the economic vulnerability of the poor.

III. Solutions and strategies to overcome the crisis of drinking water

A. Water resource management: integrated approach

1. Integrated water resource management (IUUVR): Description of the IUVR concept as an integrated approach to water resources, taking into account environmental, social and economic aspects. The basic principles of the IUUVR: participation of interested parties, planning based on river basins, taking into account the interests of all water users.

2. Water saving and increasing the efficiency of water use: Measures on water conservation in agriculture (drip irrigation, use of drought -resistant crops), industry (re -use of water, the introduction of water -saving technologies) and everyday life (installation of water meters, repair of water -saving plumbing).

3. Protection of water bodies from pollution: Measures to prevent pollution of water bodies: strict control over the discharge of industrial waste, the introduction of effective wastewater treatment systems, restriction of the use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture, and protecting coastal zones.

4. Water planning: Development and implementation of water management plans at the national, regional and local levels. Accounting for the needs of various sectors of the economy and the population. Assessment of risks associated with water shortage and pollution.

5. Water pricing mechanisms: The use of economic tools to stimulate water conservation and rational use of water. The introduction of water fees reflecting the real cost of its extraction, cleaning and delivery. Subsidies for the low -income segments of the population.

B. Development of water supply and sanitation infrastructure

1. Construction and modernization of water supply systems: Investments in the construction and modernization of water supply systems: water intakes, water treatment facilities, water supply networks, pumping stations, tanks. Ensuring reliable and uninterrupted water supply for the population.

2. Construction and modernization of water disposal systems: Investments in the construction and modernization of drainage systems: sewer networks, treatment facilities, systems for collecting and disposal of wastewater precipitation. Prevention of pollution of water bodies with wastewater.

3. Improving water purification technologies: The introduction of modern water treatment technologies: filtering, coagulation, floculation, disinfection, back osmosis, ultraviolet irradiation. Removing pollutants from water to safe levels.

4. Decentralized water supply and sanitation systems: The use of decentralized water supply and drainage systems in rural and remote areas: wells, wells, rainwater, composting toilets, biofilters.

C. Innovative technologies and approaches

1. Statement of sea water: Using technologies for desalination of sea water to increase fresh water reserves. Review of various methods of desalination: distillation, reverse osmosis. Environmental and economic aspects of desalination.

2. Review of wastewater: Cleaning and re -use of wastewater for irrigation, industry and other purposes. Advantages and disadvantages of re -use of wastewater.

3. Artificial replenishment of groundwater: The use of artificial replenishment of groundwater to replenish the stocks of aquifer. Selvive water infiltration, cleaned wastewater.

4. Water quality monitoring using sensory networks: The use of sensory networks for continuous monitoring of water quality in real time. Identification of sources of pollution and prompt response to emergency situations.

5. Information technologies for managing water resources: The use of information technologies for modeling water resources, predicting water deficiency, optimizing water distribution.

D. Politics and legislation

1. Development and improvement of water legislation: The adoption of laws and regulatory acts regulating the use of water resources, the protection of water bodies from pollution, water supply and sanitation. Ensuring compliance with water legislation.

2. Establishment of water quality standards: Establishing standards for the quality of drinking water and water for other purposes. Ensuring the compliance of water to the established standards.

3. Water pricing policy: Development and implementation of a water formation policy that stimulates water supply and rational use of water.

4. International cooperation in the field of water resource management: Cooperation between countries in the management of cross -border water resources. Exchange of information and experience, joint projects.

E. Education and increasing awareness

1. Educational programs on water resources: The inclusion of water resources in educational programs at all levels. Increased public awareness of water shortage and pollution problems.

2. Information campaigns on water saving: Conducting information campaigns on water conservation in everyday life, agriculture and industry. Promotion of water -saving technologies and practices.

3. Public participation in the management of water resources: The public attracting decisions in the field of water resource management. Creation of mechanisms for public consultations.

IV. Examples of successful practices and projects

A. Israel: leader in water resources in arid climate

1. National Water System: Description of the National Water System of Israel, including water intakes, water treatment facilities, water supply networks and desalination plants.

2. Review of wastewater: The widespread use of purified wastewater for irrigation in agriculture.

3. Statement of sea water: The active development of technologies for desalination of sea water to ensure water supply.

4. Water -saving technologies in agriculture: The use of drip irrigation and other water -saving technologies in agriculture.

B. Singapore: transformation into water center

1. Four national cranes: Description of the four main sources of water in Singapore: local seats, water imports from Malaysia, desalination of sea water and Newater (purified wastewater).

2. NEWater: Successful production of high -quality drinking water from purified wastewater using advanced technologies.

3. Active watering management: Effective water collection management for maximizing rainwater collection.

4. Investments in scientific research and development: Active investments in scientific research and development in the field of water technology.

C. Germany: high standards of water quality and effective management

1. Strict environmental standards: High standards of water quality and strict control over the discharge of industrial waste.

2. Modern wastewater treatment technologies: The use of modern wastewater treatment technologies to protect water bodies from pollution.

3. Effective water resource management: Integrated water resource management, taking into account environmental, social and economic aspects.

4. Water -saving technologies in industry and everyday life: The introduction of water -saving technologies in industry and everyday life.

D. Blue Green Dream project: Integration of natural and engineering solutions

1. “Blue Green Dream” concept: Description of the concept of “Blue Green Dream” aimed at integrating natural and engineering solutions for sustainable water management in urban areas.

2. Examples of project implementation: Examples of the successful implementation of the Blue Green Dream project in various cities of the world: the creation of green roofs, rain gardens, biofilters.

3. Advantages of integration of natural and engineering solutions: Increasing flowering resistance, improving water quality, creating green areas, improving the quality of life.

V. Prospects and challenges

A. Climate change: strengthening the water crisis

1. The influence of climate change on water resources: Forecasts on the influence of climate change on water resources: a change in precipitation, increasing the frequency and intensity of drought and floods, melting glaciers, increasing sea level.

2. Adaptation to climate change in the water sector: Measures to adapt to climate change in the water sector: construction of reservoirs, improving irrigation systems, developing drought -resistant crops, flood risk management.

B. Population growth and urbanization: an increase in water demand

1. The influence of population growth on water resources: Forecasts on the growth of the population and its impact on the demand for water for drinking, sanitation, agriculture and industry.

2. Urbanization and water resources: The influence of urbanization on water resources: increased water consumption, pollution of water bodies with wastewater, a change in the hydrological regime.

3. Sustainable water resource management in cities: Measures for sustainable water management in cities: water conservation, re -use of wastewater, rainwater management, water supply protection.

C. The need for investment and innovation

1. Investment deficiency in the water sector: Emphasizing the deficit of investment in the water sector, especially in developing countries.

2. The need to finance the infrastructure of water supply and sanitation: The need for investment in the construction and modernization of water supply and sanitation infrastructure.

3. The role of innovation in solving the water crisis: The emphasis of the role of innovation in the development of new technologies and approaches to the management of water resources.

D. The role of each person in solving the water crisis

1. Water saving in everyday life: Recommendations for water conservation in everyday life: installation of water meters, repair of leaks, the use of water -saving plumbing, saving water when washing dishes and washing.

2. Rational consumption of food: The choice of food products, the production of which requires less water.

3. Support for initiatives to protect water resources: Support for organizations and initiatives involved in the protection of water resources.

4. Improving awareness of water crisis problems: Distribution of information about the problems of water crisis among friends, family and colleagues.

This detailed article provides a comprehensive overview of the global drinking water crisis, its impact on public health, and potential solutions. It is structured for easy reading, using headings and subheadings to break down complex information. It includes statistical data, examples of successful practices, and a discussion of future challenges. The language is precise and informative, making it suitable for a wide audience. The focus is on providing high-quality, well-researched content.