Do health and clean water have anything to do with each other?
The answer is absolutely YES! Health and clean water are very closely related. Why? Because cells are water, inside and out. Water washes the inside just like it does the outside. Clean water is necessary to maintain good health. Contaminated water can often contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and an unbelievable amount of toxic chemicals that can cause many illnesses as well as waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and E, dysentery and other serious diseases that are at epidemic proportions — yet the “powers that be” don’t seem to be concerned enough for me.
These diseases can lead to severe illness and even death, especially in Senior Citizens, young children, developing teens and people with weakened immune systems. These groups are also more susceptible to dehydration and malnutrition, which can lead to stunted growth, poor reproductive organ development and cognitive development problems. Access to clean water is necessary for pregnant women and nursing mothers since consuming contaminated water can harm both mother and child. Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is one of the most critical prerequisites for maintaining good overall personal and public health.
Water is one of the most crucial resources on our planet and is vital to maintaining good health and vitality. It is essential to all forms of life – from single-celled organisms to extremely complex organisms like us. Access to clean water should be a basic human right, but unfortunately, it is not available to everyone in the world.
Next, we will discuss the importance of clean water, its benefits, and the consequences of not having access to it. According to the United Nations, 2.2 billion people around the world do not have access to clean and safe drinking water. This means that more than one in three people globally lack access to this essential resource. In developing countries, the situation is even more severe, with many lacking access to clean, safe drinking water. I am thrilled that I have been asked by several countries to help them solve their issues of poor water quality. This has been a lifelong dream come true for me.
According to WHO (World Health Organization) International Agency on Research, breast cancer will more than double in the next 20 years. How is that possible? With all the billions spent on research we are much better at detecting cancers and early diagnosis, but the problem continues to get worse. Contaminated water can often contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and over four thousand toxic chemicals that can lead to illnesses and disease. illnesses not only affect human health but can also cause economic damage, such as lost wages from days or weeks off work, medical expenses, depletion of retirement savings, and even death, robbing family members of loved ones far too soon. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 485,000 deaths are caused annually due to diarrheal diseases caused by contaminated water.
Clean water is also important for economic development. Access to clean water is necessary for the growth of industries like manufacturing, mining, and construction. Without clean water, businesses cannot operate efficiently, leading to reduced productivity, economic growth, and employment. Furthermore, lack of access to clean water provides opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly in developing countries, to start small businesses selling clean water or water purification systems.
Clean water plays a crucial role in maintaining hygiene. It is vital for daily activities such as bathing, hand washing, and keeping living spaces clean. Proper hygiene practices are essential in preventing the spread of illness and disease. Without access to clean water, people are at risk of contracting diseases like typhoid, trachoma, and scabies. According to the WHO, the deaths of more than 297,000 children under age five could be prevented every year by improving access to clean water and providing proper sanitation. Access to clean water is also essential for food security. Agriculture accounts for 70% of global water use, and clean water is necessary for farmers to irrigate their crops. Without clean water, crops can be damaged or even destroyed, leading to reduced food production and food insecurity. The availability of clean water is also necessary for livestock farming since animals require adequate hydration and regular cleaning.
Access to clean water also has environmental benefits. Pollution of our water resources, including rivers and oceans, can have severe consequences on not only human health but also aquatic life and ecosystems. For instance, human activities such as industrial processes and land use changes are the leading cause of increased water pollution. In conclusion, clean water is essential for human health, food security, hygiene, economic growth, and conservation. Without access to clean water, people will incur diseases and illnesses, while our livelihoods and the environment are at risk. We all need to work together — governments and international organizations — to ensure that every person has access to clean and safe drinking water. Access to clean water is vital and should be recognized as a basic human right.