The Water Crisis
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In the US and around the world, regions are experiencing water scarcity which is projected to increase. By 2020, the demand for water will be 40% higher than the water supply available.
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Industrial and natural contamination in water supplies results in illness and deaths. An estimated 50 percent of all hospital beds globally are occupied with patients suffering from water-related illnesses.
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By 2020, the world will consume 465 billion liters of bottled water yearly. The production and disposal of plastic bottles from bottled water releases greenhouse gas emissions (an estimated 2% of all greenhouse gas emissions), significantly impacting the environment. Also in many parts of the world bottled water isn’t well regulated.
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An estimated 1.7 million people in the US lack access to safe water. This disproportionately hurts minorities and the economically disadvantaged.
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Each day in the United States there are over 750 water main breaks, 1 every 2 minutes. When centralized infrastructure fails but water continues flowing, households are advised to boil their water to “treat” contaminants. This costs time, money, and convenience.