Water, water.. NOT everywhere.Experts tell us that, thanks to global climate change and explosive population growth, access to safe drinking water is an endangered resource.
Consider these facts:
* Only one percent of all the water on our planet is drinkable.
* The World Health Organization reports that about 1.1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. Contaminated water is one of the biggest killers in the world, with young children most at risk.
*At more than $1 trillion each year, the U.N. and World Health Organization estimate that water is the world's third largest industry(just behind electricity and oil), and is the most-traded commodity on Earth.
* In 1950, the average American used 88 gallons of water per day. Now, we each use about 154 gallons per day.
* Only three gallons of the water Americans consume daily goes to drinking.
* According to the EPA, we average up to 70 gallons for bathing; 10-25 gallons for showers; over 60 gallons per day for watering yards; 41 gallons per load of laundry; and between 1.3 and 3.5 gallons of drinking water for each flush of the toilet.
* The General Accounting Office reports that water managers in at least 39 states anticipate water shortages by 2013.
Many of us have been so blessed for such a long time, we take it for granted that unlimited, safe, clean water flows with just the flick of a tap. But we all need to shift our thinking about water, and now. Next month, some ideas for being water smart.
Remember --
Every little bit makes a world of difference.
