Carroll Gardens Plumber

Remembering the Importance of Water
September 8, 2010 by petrisbrm

In the United States, clean drinking water is taken for granted. But in developing countries around the world, access to fresh and bacteria-free water is a key health concern. In fact, 3.5 million people die each year from water-related illnesses. This week the 20th annual World Water Week is being held in Stockholm, Sweden, where officials from around the world will discuss how to increase access to clean water and how to improve conservation of this very precious natural resource.

Officials will tackle three main problems during the conference. The first is water-borne diseases. Poor sanitation in developing countries leads to unsafe drinking water that carries potentially deadly diseases such as watery diarrhea and dysentery. These diseases disproportionately affect the very young and very old. Conference experts will focus on increasing access to safe drinking water, increasing funding available to projects that provide drinking water and changing the behavior of those in developing countries by teaching at-risk citizens about the dangers of drinking unsafe water.

The second topic that will be discussed at World Water Week is how to reduce the spread of chemicals in large bodies of water. Dumping trash into the water system poses a threat to the world’s water supply. One study showed that prescription drugs are present in the drinking water of over 40 million Americans due to drugs being flushed down toilets and drains. Other chemicals enter the water through the use of pesticides, cleaners and manufacturing processes. High levels of chemical toxins pose a threat to even the most advanced societies. Green plumbing is an excellent way to ensure that your home’s plumbing remains free of harmful chemicals.

Finally, officials will discuss the state of rivers and lakes in developing countries. In many of the world’s poorest countries, natural water sources are soiled by chemicals and bodily waste and are not properly preserved to provide safe drinking water. Experts will debate what regulations need to be in place to ensure the health of these water sources and what the citizens’ role should be in maintaining and developing these resources.

World Water Week is an excellent reminder of the importance of green plumbing. Using low-flow water sources and safe plumbing chemicals are just two easy ways for your household to make a difference. By conserving water, you are joining the fight to preserve water for future generations and for nations that are struggling to find safe water alternatives.