Summary
In the article “Transferring Water from Agricultural to Urban Use Is Beneficial” Robert Glennon discusses the dilemma faced by the people of US regarding the scarcity of water. The author draws attention towards the reduction of clean water supply in the rivers, and possibly suggests that if this issue is not given attention people would not have clean water. Glennon proposed five options that may help satisfy the increasing water demand. The first option is diversion of water, but the problem with this option is that most water is unendurable. The second option suggests that construction of more dams should become a priority. Through the second option, the people would have water at times of shortage. However, the increase in dams’ construction had a negative impact upon the scenery of the country’s renowned places such as the beautiful canyons of the West.
According to Glennon, the third option of, recycling sewerage water has been made possible because of the improved technology available. Sewerage water is now reusable if it is adequately treated in a water clarification plant. Effluent water is most suitable for farmers as it provides a form of healthy growth of certain crops. The fourth option to conserve water is to levy government regulations and limit the quantity of water consumption by people. Moreover, the author also suggests that water should become a charged commodity, as people are reluctant to waste anything for which they have to pay an additional amount.
Glennon provides a fifth option of water reallocation as a future strategy. Through reallocation of water people would be able to prioritize their water needs; thus, reducing wastage. Even though, the reallocation system may bring about resentment from several parties, but it would help determine the worth of water to specific groups. The author argues that people tend to value thing they possess; therefore, if people have to buy water they would make wise decisions and promote efficiency in the economy. Robert Glennon stresses upon the government to intervene if the fifth option is put into practice. The government must ensure that economic or environmental harm is minimized during the reallocation process so that the benefit gained is maximized.
Charles Fishman in his article “People Must Learn Not to Take Water for Granted” discusses the flaw of the system that has made people believe that water is an abundant resource. The concept that water will never fall short, has contributed towards people being insensitive to the water scarcity dilemma. Fishman has discussed the previous era and the use of water then along with the present scenario and future implications. The author suggests that people need to take their relationship with water seriously, similar to other relationships which exist in their lives. As life without water is almost unimaginable people should give greater importance towards understanding and implementing ways of minimizing the wastage of this scarce resource.
One of the most major sources of water wastage is the leakage of water through several channels. Fishman indicated that 16 percent of water does not reach the final destination because it gets wasted in the process through leakage at some point. Fishman draws attention to the evolved nature of water supply compared to the early twentieth century. Water filtration plants have changed the way people look at water and are the major contributors towards the convenience of water availability. According to the author, because increasingly cities are located near water plants people have begun to take water for granted. Initially, people had to walk miles to get access to clean water, but today this trend has declined significantly.
Charles Fishman has proved that water shortage can be overcome, by showing statistics that suggest that the use of water in US has declined even though the population has increased. As there are efficient production systems in place, the water is rationed efficiently. The major source of water wastage is from households, and people need to realize the importance of water because that is the only way they would use it carefully.
In the article “Water and Poverty, An Issue of Life and Livelihood” it is suggested that water is a core requirement for a healthy life. As populations around the world are increasing, the stress on clean water resources is increasing. People are fighting for clean water as they want to sustain life in their particular economy. Development is increasing but so is population; therefore, the pressure on water availability has also intensified. According to reports, by 2025 people living in rural areas would struggle to get access to clean water resources. Urban areas are exploiting water resources and ensuring their citizens have uninterrupted access to water. On the other hand, third world countries and rural areas are barely meeting their clean water requirements.
Water scarcity is solvable if actions are taken at local, national, and international levels. Countries and territories should keep aside their differences and come together to ensure an uninterrupted supply of water for its people. It would require legislative and political action in order to ensure water supply is fair to all nations. Developmental projects should not over power the water needs of local residents. In other words, governments should learn how to prioritize the water supply because the health of people is most important. There should be no discrimination amongst the poor and rich as far as clean water is concerned. People should have equal access to clean water regardless of their race or financial status. If water is to be made available in the long term, people need to revise their habits and ensure that water wastage is minimized as much as possible.
