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The world faces a water crisis. Dwindling supplies of water sources coupled with a ballooning global population predicts a dire future for all. This has prompted much research into developing new and innovative ways to produce and treat water. On closer examination, one finds that in developed countries, the water crisis is not as acute. A shrinking population, tighter environmental controls, and the ability to invest into good treatment and distribution systems cushions the impact of a water crisis.
However, in developing countries, there is an exploding population as well as the lack of environmental safeguards and funds ensure that such countries are the hardest hit. The World Health Organisation estimates that 20% of the world’s population has no access to safe drinking water. In addition, 15 million children under the age of 5 die each year due to water born diseases. Most of these fatalities are due to one of six main diseases associated with water supply and sanitation. (Diarrhea, Ascaris, Dracunclisis, Hookworm and Trachoma). Besides being detrimental to a person’s health, these disease also handicap individual’s productivity at work, development for themselves and their region. Given the circumstances, it is therefore imperative to find a way to provide clean and safe drinking water. |
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