M5.2 Public health importance of safe drinking-water

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I was struck by the first video we were instructed to watch, "Water Facts". It mentioned that the world is made up of 366 Quintilian gallons of water. However, only .007% of it is potable. People around the world have cell phones than clean drinking water. With the relatively small amount of water we have available to us to drink, it makes sense for us to keep it sustainable and clean for ourselves and future generations. That is where the Clean Water Act of 1972 comes in. It's goal of this act is to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters by preventing point and non-point pollution sources, providing assistance to publicly owned treatment works for the improvement of wastewater treatment, and maintaining the integrity of wetlands. It is one of the United States' first and most influential modern environmental laws". It is important that the public and government take this act very seriously and continue to uphold it. As human beings, we have a right to clean, safe, and well maintained water. We need to be able to make sure the priority is on human life instead of industry.

Comments

  1. Daisy AlbarranSeptember 24, 2018 at 10:01 PM

    Hi Kera,
    I think it would be interesting to see if the government were to make a ban of bottled water. It would take out the bottled water industry and could lead towards positive environmental change - the concern would be the workers. You are right that people have a right to clean, safe, and well-maintained water - I think if the government could view it more from this approach rather than how expensive it would be to upgrade pipes, it would make a huge difference in communities that don't have safe drinking water.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2018 at 12:16 PM

    Hi Kera,

    I've repeatedly heard many of the water facts in the videos we watched, yet with each time I hear them, I'm always struck by the small amount of drinkable water we actually have. With all the new advancements in technology, I think it it's time for us to consider finding out ways in which to make undrinkable water drinkable by purifying it.

    Carmen

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownOctober 2, 2018 at 8:50 AM

    Hi Kera,
    I was also shocked by the fact that only .007% of the 366 Quintilian gallons of water on earth is potable. I agree that this fact makes protecting and sustaining our water much more important and vital for future generations. The Clean Water Act of 1972 took a crucial first step in protecting the water and preventing pollution. I also agree that we need to prioritize our health and increase access to clean water instead of allowing industries to continue polluting our water sources. Great post!

    ReplyDelete

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