A couple of months ago, I was at a concert. About halfway in, I realized all the excitement and dancing had me thirsty. I looked around and realized my only way to water would be at the back of the venue. I didn’t want to lose my place in the audience, and I figured I’d forget about being parched soon enough. Well, I didn’t. In fact, I was so relieved when the show was over because that meant I could finally get water. I felt such discomfort from the thirst that I wondered what it was like to be in the shoes of someone who felt this discomfort every day.
I experienced extreme thirst for a couple of hours, resolving it with water soon after. I had fresh, clean water available right there for me. I have clean water available in my home for hygiene and self-care daily. For billions around the world (billions, with a b), a lack of water results in deficiencies with health and sanitation.
According to the CDC, 780 million people around the world do not have access to improved water sources. Improved water sources include protected springs and piped household water connections that typically provide clean water. 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation, specifically in sub-Saharan Africa, southern Asia, and eastern Asia.
Think about your daily process for getting ready in the morning. Chances are, you grab a shower, use the bathroom, flush after using the bathroom, wash your hands, shave – the list goes on, and they’re all activities that involve the use of water. Until we really think about it or pay our own water bills, I don’t think young people understand about how much water they use. Personally, I’m guilty of hopping in the shower and not thinking twice about it. I don't always realize the luxury I have to be able to take care of myself.
It’s not until I see these statistics that I realize the ability to shower, brush my teeth, or put a water bottle to use are all taken for granted by many. To learn more about this issue, reflect upon yourself and become educated. The CDC has great resources to learn from, and organizations like The Water Project have ways to educate and get involved. It all started with a personal experience for me to get to a bigger place of thinking.
