Water: We take it for Granted

“Americans consume twice the world average in water, massive amounts are wasted in households, manufacturing, agriculture, and landscaping-massive amounts that could be conserved through proper monitoring and accounting,” said Jaymi Heimbuch.

We use water for more than drinking. We use 40 liters of water to make one slice of bread, 10 liters to make a sheet of paper, and10,855 liters to make one pair of jeans. Water is used for everything, and we tend to take it for granted. One out of eight people in the world does not have a safe water supply. Half of the world’s hospitalizations are caused from water-related diseases. This is a major issue.

Global industries use 20 percent of the world's water supply. Americans use 46 percent, and the Chinese use 25 percent. Water affects everyone and every business. There is only 2 percent of fresh water on Earth. Out of the 2 percent of fresh water, we use 70 percent on agriculture.

What will we do when the water becomes scarcer? It is scary to think about. It could ignite civil or world war. According to worldwatercouncil.org , more than 260 river basins are shared by two or more countries. We can live without oil and other resources, but water is a necessity. We must have it to live. The average human can go about a month without eating, but you can only live seven days without water.

In America we have a tainted view of the world. People are dying everyday because of lack of water in America, and we waste water, with no concern. Our daily habits and routines are wasteful. In other countries people would never let water run while brushing teeth or shaving. In other countries, some people only have a certain amount of water? Could you live off of 5 gallons a day? I doubt it. Let's be more conscious and try to conserve water.