Lack of a Basic Need: Water

Hunger, disease, and pain are all words that are uncomfortable to hear; however, they are the words that are usually associated with developing countries. Most Americans do not travel for the purposes of understanding the global condition. Americans typically travel for vacation to enjoy prosperity in the form of relaxation, luxury, culture, cuisine and recreation. My path has been different. First hand, I have been able to travel to some of these developing countries and see the lack of infrastructure.

Everyday we as United States citizens carry on our lives. We notice the weather, if there is enough gas in your car to get to work or school, but we take for granted that we have water to drink for the day. Fortunately, the United States is structured in a way that for most of its citizens clean, running water for consumption and hygiene is not a problem. The government realizes that water is essential for day to day life and works hard to keep our supply clean and running in the city and rural communities across the US.

Global Water is an organization that makes it possible for third world countries to have the same safe water opportunities as we do. This is an extremely important organization. One billion people are exposed to unsafe drinking water. The hardships that families and children are forced to overcome due to a lack of a basic need are endless.

Above: the children are physically collecting water from the closet supply of water They are unknowingly consuming water that may or may not have life threatening effects.

Picture trying to get to work on time after having walked about a mile to a water supply. Imaginedrinking the water available that is close to your home but knowing it may cause health problems and diseases. This is the situation that most certainly exists in developing countries. These developing countries, which include Sudan,Honduras, Guatemala, and many others are in this condition now.

Global Water’s intention is to change the individual’s effected by unsafe and unclean water. Volunteers and supporters go into the rural communities that are struggling daily and create safe drinking water supply routes for members of the community. Water is a basic need and we should support their efforts in changing one community at a time.

To the left: Families of a rural community in Africa are seen walking outside near the source of water. Pollution and toxins are crowding the community's known water supply.