Shortage in water supply has been a recurring problem, especially in this age, where the United Nations has declared a global water crisis, with water resources and systems viewed as not returning to their normal state.

With groundwater providing 50% of global domestic water use and 40% of irrigation, the excessive use of these resources not only diminishes their quantity but also induces irreversible damage to their quality and production.

Coupled with increased water demands brought by economic and environmental changes, the lack of supply compromises the lives of the people, especially those residing on far distances.

In South Africa, it has been reported in cities of Bruma, Kensington, Bez Valley, Malvern, and neighbouring areas that backlogs in water infrastructure have caused people to live two to three months without provision of water supply.

Scientifically, prolonged and severe dehydration can cause kidney failure, an increased risk of colon and bladder cancers, a decrease in immune function, and a decline in mental clarity.

These issues allow citizens across the globe to experience health deterioration, an impoverished lifestyle, and community instability; hence, they harm the overall quality of life of people.

In the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has reported that 40 million Filipinos living in island and upland barangays remain unserved in terms of equitable access to water.

Together with the ongoing nuisances of flood control projects and infrastructural difficulties, these people are living proof of why water conservation, from individual efforts and the collective efforts of government officials in implementing water projects, is essential to achieving water sustainability.

Even in the face of severe water scarcity, it is important to note that this is not the end.

A reform of old habits is necessary not to undo, but to minimize the damage caused by previous destructive water programs.

“It is the start of a structured recovery plan: you stop the bleeding, protect essential services, restructure unsustainable claims, and invest in rebuilding,” said Kaveh Madani, Director of the UN University Institute for Water, Environment and Health.

To learn more about clean water and sanitation, visit this website: Healing Waters International.