As a nation, Americans have generally enjoyed free and unrestricted access to clean drinking or potable water. However, that is changing: water is literally on fire in North Dakota , water is full of lead, not only in Flint, but, according to a CNBC report, the EPA says 41 states report problems with lead in water supplies. Of course, many people are already aware of water shortage in California.
Is water becoming the next oil in terms of its value as a commodity? Should the access to clean water be a fundamental human right? How did it get to this? Does the public and do our elected officials really understand what’s happening with water, nationally and globally?
Much of the water crisis in the United States is self-inflicted. For example, in 2005, the Bush Administration’s EPA exempted fracking from the Safe Drinking Water Act . The result of fracking has been a disaster for our water and land. Further, there is no clear national strategy or water policy in the United States.
When we value the worth of water will we begin to do something to protect it. Hopefully, before it’s too late.
According to a recent story in The Hill: The United States is on the verge of a national crisis that could mean the end of clean, cheap water.
What can you do?
Consider joining one or more of the many organizations who are proactively developing strategies, lobbying government officials and educating the public to find ways to mitigate the pending water crisis. Most noteable of these organizations are Clean Water Action and the Natural Resources Defense Council .
Not sure where to start? The National Environmental Services Center at West Virginia University has put together an extensive list of national and state specific organizations dedicated to water use issues and clean water policy.
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