The amount of water that is suitable for human consumption in the world is less than 1% of the fresh water resources available. Although 70% of the planet's surface is covered by water, only 2.5% is sweet, while the remaining 97.5% is salty.
Of that fresh water, 68.7% is frozen in glaciers. Of the rest, 30.1% lies in the humidity of the soil or in the depths of the earth, in the aquifers inaccessible to humans.
Therefore, there is talk that there is a shortage of drinking (and fresh) water in the world. Among the most common sources of supply, rivers are the source of most of the fresh surface water.
But these constitute only 1% of surface waters, equivalent to approximately 0.0001% of the total water on the planet.
In total terms, experts agree that we currently have approximately 1,359 million cubic kilometers of water on the planet. This according to data from the institution "US Geological Survey" (or USGS), which performs geological measurements in the United States.
However, it must be remembered that agriculture and industry are also considered human consumption. Therefore, only 0.007% can be used for domestic consumption.
This type of water used by man is called drinking water. It is the water that can be consumed without restriction. But this term applies to water that meets local and international quality standards.
According to the WHO, between now and 2025, half of the world's population will live in water-scarce areas.
Sources of water for human consumption
Since rivers and lakes represent a small part of the water on Earth, it is necessary to look for other sources of liquid.
Although it should not be denied that these surface waters are the most important due to their easy access. Their main advantage is that they are constantly renewed thanks to the water cycle.
But this natural phenomenon also makes these surface resources subject to variation in precipitation levels. Therefore, underground reservoirs are an important source of water supply for many people.
Humanity has developed techniques and technologies to make use of wells to exploit. These are the so-called renewable and non-renewable aquifers, which are used to quench thirst and water your crops.
Water protection
Good management of the existing sources that supply drinkable water, whether fresh, superficial or underground, is a global duty.
Today, around 6 billion people live in the world. Of these, about 20% suffer from water shortages because they live in 50 countries that lack this vital liquid.
If the current consumption rate is continued, in a short time this amount will grow and will become a problem capable of generating armed conflicts.
It must be remembered that it is not possible to create water that no longer exists in some pre-existing state or reserve. But its protection and correct administration could maximize availability and use.
If this resource is not taken care of now, it is estimated that by 2025 two thirds of the world's population will live in countries with moderate or severe water scarcity.
In addition, the lack of fresh water can also affect the future and the extinction of the biological diversity of many areas.
Therein lies the importance of having a moderate consumption and taking care of this natural resource.
References
- Culiacán City Council. (2016). How much water does the planet have left? Recovered from japac.gob.mx.
- Clavero, A. (2013). How much water is available for human consumption? Recovered from detodoparalafsicayqumica.blogspot.com.
- González, D. (2012). 97.5% of the water is salty. Recovered from 24horas.cl.
- National Academics of Sciences. (2007). Where is water found on Earth? Recovered from koshland-science-museum.org.
- Magazine ambientum. Water consumption in percentages. Recovered from ambientum.com.