The global water crisis is one of the planet’s biggest problems, affecting billions.

According to a 2023 UN report, more than 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services, leading to devastating impacts on health, sanitation, education, and economic stability

When communities are deprived of clean water, the consequences are immediate and far-reaching: rampant waterborne diseases, hindered educational and economic opportunities, and the degradation of vital ecosystems. Raising awareness and mobilizing support for clean water initiatives are, therefore, critical steps toward a more equitable and sustainable world.

One of the most alarming consequences of water scarcity and contamination is the spread of waterborne diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 829,000 people die annually from diarrhea due to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hand hygiene. Children under five are particularly vulnerable, accounting for a significant portion of these fatalities.

These diseases not only inflict immense suffering but also place a tremendous burden on healthcare systems, costing billions in treatment and lost productivity. By promoting awareness of the direct link between water quality and health, we can empower communities to adopt better hygiene practices, advocate for improved water infrastructure, and support organizations dedicated to providing safe drinking water.

Water crisis situations don’t just exist in developing countries. There are many water and health issues here in the US as well; Flint, Michigan comes to mind where there was lead in the water supply, which ultimately led to disease and death. Here in Connecticut, the news has focused on Waterbury, Bridgeport and Hartford as areas where there are contaminants in the water due to aging pipes that are leaking or breaking. In the town of East Lyme, where I grew up, the local Facebook community page has posts from residents with pictures of brownish tap water, asking the water & sewer department why this is.

All of this to say that a clean water supply is important to everyone in every town around the world – and people in Connecticut can empathize with those in countries where the water infrastructure is far more dire.

There are several ways in which awareness promotion can occur and people can be involved in helping to solve this problem. One might be partnerships between UNICEF and elementary schools to supplement the promotion that already occurs with coin-collecting boxes at Halloween. For example, there are a lot of elementary school events for art shows, sports events, or field days where a fund-raising table with information could be shared with parents so they see the importance of supporting families whose water supply is uncertain. I know where I went to school, while the parents were donating money at the ice cream socials, they would also certainly drop a dollar or two into a UNICEF safe water supply basket if there was a poster outlining the need. It’s an effort that would also raise awareness of the bigger problem.

Beyond the immediate health crisis, the lack of clean water access has profound socio-economic repercussions, particularly for women and girls in developing countries. A study by UNICEF revealed that women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours daily collecting water, time that could be used for education, income-generating activities, or community involvement. This not only perpetuates gender inequality but also limits economic growth and development.

By investing in initiatives that bring clean water closer to communities, we can unlock the potential of women and girls, fostering gender equality and driving economic empowerment. I mentioned above the fund-raising collections at elementary schools; that effort can assist here too. Additionally, partnerships between missionaries in countries and bottled water companies with charitable arms that give toward solving developing countries’ water problems could be avenues to help bring awareness to the problem, and thus monetary support to solve it.

Addressing the global water crisis isn’t just about doing what is right. It’s a necessary measure to ensure everyone has a fair chance at good health, educational and economic potential, and building a more just and sustainable future for everyone.

John Poirier is a freshman at Eastern Connecticut State University, majoring in business.