Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to drink!

         Water is essential nutrient for all life. After all, our planet is is covered by 70 % water while our oceans hold 96.5% of all the Earth's water (United Stated Geological Survey, 2012). An even smaller percentage (1%) of water is drinkable which comes from groundwater (i.e. wells and aquifers) and surface water (lakes, streams,  brooks). With an ever growing human population, preserving the precious natural resource is essential for the  health of the public, and existence of all life. In many parts of the world, safe drinking water and clean water for agriculture are running dry or highly polluted. In communities where local people depend on such a vital source, and the aquatic ecosystems provide a food source and recreational haven, the need to preserve and protect is pertinent. To date, 26 countries are water-stressed, which means that these countries do not have enough water to sustain economic development and agriculture (Cable News Network, 2012). the number of water-stressed countries are expected to rise and the number of persons living in water-stressed countries are expected to increase 6.5 times (CNN, 2012). In developed countries, approximately one quarter of the population does not have a access to clean water, and more than twice the population does not have adequate sanitation, which are major public health and environmental health issues.

        The fight for access to clean water is not only taking place in developing countries, but right here with in my own community in the state of Georgia. The water source debate over the man-made water reservoir Lake Lanier between Florida, Georgia, and Alabama has been ongoing for a number of years. Specifically, the tri-state battle has been taking place since 1990 over the who has the rights over the water source. On June 28, the federal government awarded those rights to Georgia (Atlanta Journal Constitution, 2012). I believe that it is important to protect our water source and create ways to conserve water for a sustainable future. But, I also can't help think what kind of drawbacks holding up our water source in a reservoir or building a dams will do to surrounding communities and ecosystem that are also depend the water that trickles down to them. This just further exemplifies that "NO MAN IS AN ISLAND". It is sad to think that  the scarcity of water has in the past, can, and will trigger more water wars in the future in domestic as well as international communities.

         More steps need to be taken to protect the water that nourishes and brings life to our Earth. Perhaps  the adoption of new policies (or stricter policies), building of more water treatment facilities, increase public awareness, and hosting education forums may help to shed some light in resolving this issue along with community involvement and participation.