Solar water is an innovative water treatment system that, in addition to being useful in humanitarian contexts, can purify water and make it drinkable, contributing to combating global problems such as water scarcity and pollution. This portable and easy-to-use system can treat up to 10 liters of water per use, improving the quality of life of those who use it.
The importance of access to drinking water It is an issue that cannot be ignored. According to data from the OMS (World Health Organization), more than one billion people around the world do not have access to safe drinking water. This situation is responsible not only for diseases, but also for premature deaths related to the consumption of contaminated water.
Access to clean water is essential to reduce cases of diarrhea, one of the main causes of infant mortality. Likewise, having access to clean water is essential to ensure adequate hygiene during vital practices such as childbirth, sterilization and daily hydration.
The Global Problem of Contaminated Water
In many parts of the world, lack of access to clean drinking water has led populations to resort to inadequate purification methods, such as constant boiling. This method, although effective in eliminating bacteria and viruses, has consequences for the environment. According to recent studies, at least 500 million people boil water as a daily practice, leading to a significant increase in Emissions of greenhouse gases, exacerbating the deforestation and global warming.
The use of firewood The use of hot water to boil water in many rural areas is alarmingly increasing deforestation. At the same time, many of the stoves used in Africa and other developing countries lack chimneys and adequate ventilation, causing respiratory health problems among women and children who spend long hours in front of the stove, breathing smoke directly.
Sustainable Methods for Water Treatment
Solar water It is a clear example of sustainable and accessible technology, especially useful for remote areas or those lacking sanitation infrastructure. Other non-polluting methods of purifying water, such as gravity filtration systems and ultraviolet (UV) light, are gaining popularity in global initiatives to improve access to drinking water.
The use of these advanced methods not only contributes to public health, but also to the sustainability of the planet. For example, activated carbon-based water filters not only remove toxic contaminants, but are also effective in eliminating unwanted odors and flavors, substantially improving the sensory quality of water.
The Impact of Lack of Drinking Water on Health
Lack of access to clean water has devastating consequences worldwide. According to estimates by the OMS y UNICEF, 2000 million people They still do not have access to basic drinking water services, which predisposes these communities to suffer from diseases related to the lack of sanitation, such as diarrhea, cholera and typhoid fever.
These diseases, caused by contaminated water, represent one of the main causes of infant mortality worldwide. Diarrhea is responsible for the death of approximately 700 children a day, which reminds us of the urgent need for interventions to ensure a clean and safe water supply.
Practical Solutions to Improve Access to Drinking Water
To ensure access to quality and sustainable drinking water, it is crucial to implement adequate infrastructure and promote simple but effective techniques, such as the use of sand filters, rainwater harvesting systems and portable treatment plants. These methods, together with educational campaigns, can make a difference in regions where drinking water networks are non-existent or ineffective.
Furthermore, it is vital that local communities are involved in water resource management and infrastructure maintenance to ensure continued access to this resource.
Investment in technologies such as desalination, wastewater reuse, and protection of underground aquifers is key, especially in a context where more than half of the world's population is expected to suffer from water scarcity by 2050. Importantly, every dollar invested in water and sanitation generates a return of up to $15, making these investments not only necessary but also profitable.
More global efforts are still needed to advance towards universal access to clean water, with a focus on adequate sanitation and environmental protection.
Thus, the implementation of sustainable measures, the creation of accessible technological solutions and community empowerment are fundamental elements to guarantee access to drinking water and reduce its scarcity in the coming decades.