The Impact of Lack of Clean Drinking Water on Health and Conflict
Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people around the world are deprived of this essential resource. The lack of clean drinking water has profound effects on health and can exacerbate conflicts, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.
Health Implications
The health impacts of inadequate access to clean water are severe and far-reaching. Contaminated water is a breeding ground for waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. These diseases can cause severe dehydration, malnutrition, and even death, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. According to Water.org, more than 1 million people die each year from water, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases1.
Children are disproportionately affected by the lack of clean water. Every two minutes, a child dies from a water-related disease2. The absence of safe drinking water also contributes to chronic malnutrition and stunting, which can have long-term effects on a child’s physical and cognitive development. Moreover, the burden of water collection often falls on women and girls, who spend hours each day fetching water, which can lead to physical strain and limit their opportunities for education and employment1.
Conflict and Social Stability
The scarcity of clean water can also lead to conflict and social instability. In regions where water is already scarce, competition for this vital resource can exacerbate tensions between communities and even lead to violence. The Council on Foreign Relations notes that water stress can drive mass migrations and spark conflicts, particularly in areas where infrastructure is damaged or in decline3.
In conflict zones, the situation is even more dire. Access to clean water is often compromised as infrastructure is destroyed, and pipelines fall into disrepair. This not only affects the health of the population but also hampers the functioning of schools and hospitals, further destabilizing the region4. The United Nations has highlighted that in war-torn countries, the lack of clean water is far deadlier than violence itself, as diseases like cholera and diarrhea can spread rapidly when water supplies are disrupted5.
Solutions and the Path Forward
Addressing the global water crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Investment in infrastructure to provide safe drinking water and sanitation is crucial. Programs that empower communities, particularly women, to manage and maintain their water resources can lead to sustainable improvements. Additionally, international cooperation and conflict resolution efforts are essential to ensure that water resources are shared equitably and managed sustainably.
Lack of access to clean drinking water has fueled conflicts around the globe and left millions of children ill-equipped to compete in an increasingly complex world. One such country is Togo, located in Africa. A good friend, Joan Adams, has been supporting clean water initiatives in Togo since her days in the Peace Corps, more years ago than she wants to admit.
Joan and a fellow volunteer, a PhD hydrologist (Joan is an engineer) return to Togo annually and install one or two new wells. She has established a GoFund.me page in hopes that they could double their production every year. Click here to contribute to safe drinking water one well at a time.
1: Water.org, “The Effects of Water Shortages on Health” 2: Water.org, “The Water Crisis: Shortage, Problems & Solutions” 3: Council on Foreign Relations, “Water Stress: A Global Problem That’s Getting Worse” 4: UNICEF, “Fast facts: Water, sanitation and hygiene in conflict” 5: United Nations, “Lack of clean water far deadlier than violence in war-torn countries”
I'm guessing that in societies where women and girls must spend hours every day carrying water probably have few educational or job opportunities. We live in a mixed-up world where countless plastic bottles are thrown away after their microplastic-contaminated water is gone. And consider how much water almond farmers in California use and how much water (and water contaminated poisons) are used to keep golf courses beautiful.
I took a bus tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza and learned how important clean water is. For anyone interested in vacationing in Mexico, don't eat the lettuce.