WATER AND MAN AN INSEPARABLE PAIR INTRODUCTION Why talk about water? This vital compound is not equal to anything that gives life to humans, animals and plants; in short, to the entire ecosystem on Earth. How vital can it be to have water to drink to quench your thirst, to accompany our food and to make our environment livable? Many of us ignore the importance of this, either by squandering this common good, or by using it to do business. I will talk about how water is used in various continents and also how it is exploited by some for business, when a common good should belong to all and at low cost. Then we will also address the most important topic, pollution, which today destroys entire seas, lakes and rivers. Sources polluted by the neglect of man towards the environment and towards himself, yes, because those who ruin their territory will also ruin their own future and this is incomprehensible by all those who are defending this planet of ours. We will talk about the various types of water and their characteristics and their qualities. In short, a complete roundup that will bring more knowledge for this immense good that is water.
CHARACTERISTICS Water is a chemical compound whose molecular formula is H2O: This mysterious acronym means that every molecule of water is composed of an oxygen atom O and two hydrogen atoms H, the characteristics of water, an
element of life that accompanies us at every moment of our day. We know that the water cycle is fundamental for our well-being, it allows the body to absorb and assimilate minerals, vitamins, amino acids and other substances, promotes digestive processes, allows the transport of nutrients to cells and oxygen to the brain, promotes the removal of toxins and metabolic waste, acts as a lubricant for joints and muscles. Essential for plants, animals and the proper functioning of the ecosystem. But are we sure we know why? And what are the characteristics that make it so unique? Today we want to brush up on school books and do a short chemistry review to discover together some of the incredible properties of this so special element. As we have seen before, water is composed of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen, H2O. any of the properties and characteristics of both natural water and mineral water make it special finding an explanation at the atomic level, in the seemingly simple bond between hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen atom has two free electrons each shared with one of the two hydrogen atoms: the oxygen has an electronegative charge higher than that of hydrogen, allowing it to attract electrons more strongly. This peculiar characteristic creates a partial negative charge on the oxygen atom and a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atoms. This duality makes the molecule a dipole, a bit like a common stack that we use to make our electronic devices work. Thanks to this feature, water molecules attract each other through the formation of hydrogen bonds. Precisely because of this tendency of molecules to attract each other, water is an excellent natural solvent: this means that substances such as salts, once they are in the water, are surrounded by molecules that, thanks to their small size and polarization characteristics, are able to slip between one ion and the other, or between the single molecules of solute substance, surrounding it completely. Here is the reason why it is easy to dissolve and dilute in water so many different substances, from sugar, to tempera to whitewash the walls. This ability of molecules is called cohesion and occurs only on the surface, where the bonds between molecules, which are numerically lower, are stronger. But let’s talk about the dissolved states of water, another surprising feature of water, which we take for granted: its natural ability to exist in different states. The water, under normal conditions, comes in liquid form, but when it reaches the temperature of 100 degrees, it boils and turns into vapor, while to 0 degrees would solidify, turning into ice. But
what allows this transformation? The transition from the liquid state to the aeriform state to solid states occurs by the change of two fundamental parameters, namely temperature and pressure. When the state of matter changes, the molecular bonds also change: in the case of ice, where matter is solid, the bonds are weak and the molecules slide over each other; in the case of steam, the bonds are absent and the particles separate from each other. The change of status can take place seamlessly. A simple and practical example: take ice cubes, put them in a pot and light the fire. After a few moments the ice will melt to return to its liquid state. After a few minutes, the water will enter a state of molecular agitation and will boil, then turn into steam. At that point by placing a cold lid over the pot, you can observe the almost instantaneous formation of small drops on the surface; is the steam that in contact with the cold metal, undergoes a change in temperature and returns to be water in liquid form. An infinite cycle in which nothing is created and nothing is destroyed. But let’s go back to the fact that water is extremely present on our Earth’s surface.
THE IMPOTANCE OF WATER What makes the presence of life on Earth possible is precisely water, a very precious commodity. The surface of our planet is largely covered by it, but most of the water is salty, 97%, while fresh water corresponds to only 3% of the total. This makes it clear how important it is and how much it should be respected and preserved, even if there were something exploiting seawater, but we will talk about it in the chapter on sustainable water resource management. We ourselves are made of water: an adult man is composed of about 65%, while a newborn even 75-80%. Seas, rivers, lakes, springs, glaciers are what make life possible, as we know it. If we shift our gaze from the width of the planet to the minute size of our body, we find that water is so important because it is the basic component of cells, makes up the blood for over 90% and oversees an infinity of metabolic chemical reactions that occur every instant in our body. Without water we could not breathe assimilate the elements, eliminate toxins from the body, control body temperature, fight viruses and bacteria for which our organs would not be protected. For other living beings it is equally important, whether it is mammals, fish, insects or plants, of which it is the main constituent. Behind every sip of water we drink is contained an essential heritage to our wellbeing and for this reason it is so important to educate ourselves to hydration, always assuming the right amount of water daily and respect the environment, the places where the water lives before reaching our table. Not surprisingly we can stay weeks without eating but a few days without drinking, also has zero caloric value and does not affect the energy balance of the body. Water is also a nutrient, an excellent source of essential minerals to ensure smooth functioning from the brain to the muscles, from the lungs to the skin, from head to toe every cell of our body needs water. Finally, this crystalline liquid is essential for the environment, or rather to keep the entire ecosystem of the Earth healthy, not only man and animals but also plants and climate. But we see other functions of water that help man every day, for example: in the house, we use it to do everything, wash clothes, cook, wash us, wash dishes, water plants and brush teeth. In
agriculture, fields are irrigated, in fisheries and aquaculture, in hydroelectric plants to produce electricity. In short, water is always present in our everyday life, so it is a very important element that must be defended and not wasted. But let’s go back to the fact that water is extremely present on our Earth’s surface. It is considered the renewable resource par excellence, in fact, it is used in the field of food, sanitation, but also in production processes concerning a huge number of sectors. But let’s go back to the fact that water is extremely present on our Earth’s surface. It is considered the renewable resource par excellence, in fact, it is used in the field of food, sanitation, but also in production processes concerning a huge number of sectors. Despite this, its deposits are not evenly distributed on the planet and otherwise accessible. This leads to serious inequalities and to pollution problems caused by industry or poor sanitary conditions. For these reasons more than one and a half billion human beings do not have access to a resource that literally means "life": In fact, if in Europe and the United States a person has a few hundred litres of drinking water a day, in Africa consumption is reduced to a dozen or perhaps less. Moreover, during the whole of the twentieth century the per capita water consumption increased seven times due to the great transformations caused by the industrial revolutions. For all these reasons it is immediately apparent that the policy of managing this resource must find a central role in international agendas. The commitment must certainly be to develop strategies that allow water to be distributed in a fair way, reducing waste and protecting it from polluting factors. We propose here some advice not to consumemore water than necessary. Putting them into practice helps to preserve such a valuable asset for our community and at the same time you will get bills less burdensome. - Applies a flow reducer to taps, costs little and saves thousands of litres of water a year. - When you brush your teeth or shave, run the water you need, otherwise close the tap, you will open it when you have to rinse your mouth. -Don’t overdo it with your time in the shower. -Choose your toilet carefully and it will be a good choice a model that includes a double jet, both to six and twelve liters.
- Repairs leaking taps and always installs aerated taps, They maintains the same pressure and halves consumption. - Operate the washing machine or dishwasher only when fully loaded. - Check the meter regularly. - Always close the central tap when you leave for several days. - Abandoning old appliances and using only "Energy Star" appliances, you can save up to 50% of water. - Do not defrost food in running water, but leave it in the air or in a bowl. It is necessary, however, that all contribute to the protection of the water resource, reducing waste and adopting sustainable environmental behaviours.
WATER MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
The water is home to millions of species, from the smallest microorganisms, to blue whales up to thirty meters long and weighing up to two hundred tons. Every year new species are discovered in the depths of the oceans. The oceans and seas also play a key global climate role: by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, they are the largest carbon sink. Ocean currents help to warm and refresh different territories, making them more habitable. Evaporation of the seas can cause precipitation in the form of rain or snow all over the world, contributing to life on Earth. For us humans, water is not simply a vital need for our organism: it is also a resource that we benefit from every day. At home we use it to cook, clean and wash. It forms a natural transport network around the world, connecting not only coastal cities but also inland cities along navigable rivers, thus enabling global trade. We use water to build houses, schools and roads, as well as to heat buildings and cool power plants. With the electricity we generate from its movement, we illuminate homes and cities. On a hot summer day, we take a dip in the pool or in the sea or stroll along the lakefront to cool off. Water is also a means of connecting and moving people and goods. It forms a natural transport network around the world, connecting not only coastal cities but also inland cities along navigable rivers, thus enabling global trade. Ships for the transport of all kinds of things, they cross the oceans from the Americas, to Africa and Asia. In other words, water is present in every aspect of our lives. Pollution, over-exploitation, physical changes in aquatic habitats and climate change continue to undermine the quality and availability of water. When we take water from its source and use it, we almost always change its various aspects. We rectify rivers, we build canals to connect seas to rivers, we build dams and embankments to cope with our water consumption. Groundwater, that is water present in the pores and fractures of rocks and sediments below the Earth’s surface, forms as rain or snow and moves through the ground until it re-emerges into rivers, lakes or oceans. Extracted from the aquifers, it can be transported for hundreds of kilometers before reaching our homes. Once used, it can be contaminated with chemicals, for example: phosphates used in cleaning products, microplastics or cooking oil. Some of these pollutants and impurities can remain even after undergoing advanced wastewater treatment processes. In the case of agriculture, the water used for crops
may contain residues of chemical substances used in fertilisers and pesticides. After being used and sometimes treated, some of this altered water returns to a water body. Air pollutants emitted by transport and industry can also be deposited on rivers, lakes and seas and have an impact on water quality. The use we make of it can alter the temperature and salinity levels of the oceans. The water used for energy cooling can be significantly warmer than the extracted water. In the end, what we return to nature is often very different from what we have extracted, also we do not always return it where we extracted it. Why is this residual salt being thrown back into the sea with dramatic consequences for the marine environment? Instead of being used in the chemical industry as a raw material in chlorine-soda plants, where the electrolysis of sodium chloride brine is performed to obtain gaseous chlorine, hydrogen and caustic soda? These are all fundamental raw materials for these chemical industries. Why don’t we do that? In this way we can help the inhabitants of the marine places without water, to have a source to quench their thirst and be able to wash, maybe even to cultivate and feed all their families. You see how many things could be done and how many people could be saved only by making a change on the processing of salinization, do you know that on our planet four billion people suffer from the emergency of water? And five million people died from diseases linked to its scarcity or lack of basic sanitation. This is while 12% of the world’s population uses 85% of the planet’s resources. On our planet there is water for everyone and there is no climatic emergency or no more water available, this has been stated by more than twelve hundred scientists, Nobel laureates, etc. They’ve come together to counter the idea that we’re about to lose a planet and run out of water to drink. "The World Declaration on Climate" is the treaty that has been written about all this research that widely proclaims that the climate has always changed over the centuries. "The World Declaration on Climate" is the treatise that has been written on all these researches that proclaims widely that the climate has always changed over the centuries, sometimes hot at times cold weather has always been normal. So we don’t have to worry about that, the water will never end for us here on Earth, it’s just that some precautions to protect it from pollution, without spoiling it, will only help us to have clean water for all of us. Of course it should also be equally distributed and not that three quarters of the Earth remain without and die
of drought! However, with this statement, the 1200 scientists who came together want to tell us that we should not worry, we keep our water pure and we do not listen to the alarmisms that scare us.
BLUE GOLD It has been predicted that access to water and control could be among the causes of the 21st century wars. The definition of "blue gold", in reference to water, highlights how a fundamental and priority resource, the common good of humanity, is representing an economic interest such as to be compared to a consumer and market good. Today, the water crisis involving many populations living in low-income countries is accompanied by access to and control of water resources. It is widely believed that water will be
one of the major causes of conflict in the 21st century, as its accessibility will become increasingly difficult and the control of renewable resources will be an extremely important political instrument in the global balance. Governments exercise different types of control over water resources, depending on the policies pursued, protectionist or expansionary. These controls can represent the roots of tensions between the various countries, where choices of economic or social development are defended or even interests derived from private productive expansions; can provoke military initiatives, becoming a reason for territorial invasions, a tool of political control between countries that share important river basins. In recent years, a new source of tension for water control has been the transfer of water management by public authorities to multinational private companies. The World Bank estimates the potential water market at around $1 trillion a year. According to economic analysts, the water industry, already today accounts for 40% of the oil industry, is destined to become a major production sector. The momentum towards privatization was born with the dominant philosophy of the Washington consensus, an economic doctrine suggested by the Trilateral Commission, established in 1973 at the initiative of David Rockefeller, which liberalizes trade and investment without any hindrance on the part of governments, handing over to the private sector the responsibility for social programs and services, which consider water as a commodity that follows the same market rules, for example: of petroleum and gas. The reaction towards the privatization of water, mainly by the poorest populations, has led to even violent conflicts, as in the case of Cochabamba in Bolivia. The third city of the Andean country has passed under the management of a private company that raised the rates so as to represent, for some users, up to a quarter of income. After a tough and prolonged clash, which saw thirty thousand citizens demonstrating in the streets, the conflict was resolved with the return of water management in public hands. An international movement against the privatization of water has spread, based on three principles: the conservation of water resources; water as a human right; democracy of water. The movement’s main challenge is that the fragile balance between demand and exploitation of resources, accompanied by unequal distribution and environmental constraints, cannot be left to the management of multinationals, driven by economic interests. Private
companies have no advantage in applying long-term sustainability policies and are aiming for greater consumption growth in the immediate future, not encouraging savings education. The containment of operating costs often takes place at the expense of the environment, with failure to comply with the legislation on discharges, sewage treatment, remediation. Similarly, privatisations tend mostly to neglect social needs, to put the residential areas inhabited by the wealthy rather than the more popular or degraded ones first, and also always involve a risk of tariff increases: This exacerbates the problems of access, especially in lower-income countries. The World Water Manifesto, which was drafted in Lisbon in September 1998 by an International Committee for the World Water Contract, is the final document of a series of global meetings held to study, deepen and disseminate the theme of water, which must be recognised from the legislative point of view as a public common good and cannot be the subject of lucrative commercial exchange. In response to the bad public management that has characterized many water systems in recent years, water management must be put back in the hands of citizens and local communities, that can guarantee its preservation, transmit it to future generations and to make it remain to the Earth and to all the species to which it really belongs. This is the solution.
HOW TO DRINK WATER Following analysis of the water of several bottled waters, there was a warning from the Commission of the European Union in February 2000 that the maximum values laid down for certain toxic and undesirable substances in Italian mineral waters, were higher than the standards imposed at Community level. Since then nothing has changed: lower quality, higher price: bottled water is from 300 to 600 and even 1000 times more expensive than tap water, although it has a higher level of pollutants and therefore a lower quality. Let’s see the negative aspects of bottled water. She is uncomfortable and polluting. You have to take her home from the supermarket. Take up space in the pantry.
Engages in separate plastic collection Pollutes the planet. The plastic bottle in which bottled water is stored has been blamed for the release of bisphenol A (BPA) into water, recognized as a substance that increases the incidence of cancer and neuronal and cardiac disorders. In January 2011, the European Commission banned the production and marketing in the EU of baby bottles containing BPA, but the water? The same substance is also contained in water bottles! It tends to acidify and therefore worsen the acid-basic balance of our organism, which in itself is brought towards acidity and would need to alkalize. Have you ever wondered why we take water from a mountain spring and bottle it, after a few weeks it stinks, after a few months algae grow, while bottled water can remain so for years without ever decaying? We often buy bottled water that comes from the same source as tap water, even with well-known and widely advertised brands of bottled water. How many times we hear this phrase:" TAP WATER IS GOOD!". Certainly many, and it is essentially true: the water that flows from our taps is very controlled. Aqueducts do an excellent job for providing drinking water to the entire population. Of course, the values of the pollutants in drinking water fall within the limits laid down by law; unfortunately, however, these limits have risen several times in recent years, due to the increasing pollution and the everincreasing need for domestic drinking water. To guarantee us a water free from bacteria, the aqueducts use chlorine, excellent bactericidal at low cost. So instead of bacteria we drink chlorine and if diluted, even at low amounts, chlorine is not beneficial for our body, numerous doctors prove it. So what’s the difference between tap water and bottled water? Bottled water is treated with preservatives to keep it always clear and odorless, even several years after being bottled; Tap water intended for drinking use is already better than bottled water because it is not added preservatives, but it is unfortunately treated with chlorine, in order not to have the formation of bacteria, microorganisms, algae, etc. So how can we do if in both cases our health suffers? All people who drink bottled water do so because they do not trust the water that comes out of their tap, but strangely and paradoxically they continue to use it to cook food, to make tea and coffee or even to prepare delicate meals for their children. We think we are safe only
because the water used for cooking is boiled, thus eliminating any health risk. This is true with regard to any microorganisms and bacteria present in the water, but it is absolutely false with regard to chemicals, which with boiling are even made more concentrated and therefore more dangerous. The Department of Environmental Science and Policy of the University of Milan has discovered that during the operations of opening and closing the cap of a plastic bottle microscopic plastic fragments are deposited on the edge of the bottle, on the bottom and on the cap itself. The study was published in a scientific journal and found that hundreds of thousands of microparticles are ingested every time you drink water directly from the plastic bottle. "Store away from light, in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources"This is what is written on the label of the water bottles that are commonly bought at the supermarket and it is a very precise indication of the need for proper storage of the product. Exposed to heat, PET bottles tend to release harmful elements into the water, they are estimated to be around 29, including antimony and acetaldehyde. The migration of chemicals from packaging to food is a typical industry problem and varies based on certain factors such as the quality of construction PET, how it is stored and exposure to light and heat sources. But even if consumers pay the utmost attention to the conservation of water bottles, who guarantees them from the danger that all the others, along the chain of transport and sale of the product, have used the same regard? According of the studies done, transport temperatures, often above 50 degrees, greatly favor the migration of toxic substances into the water. What’s more, the microbiological safety of bottled water is exhausted at the opening: water should in fact be consumed within 24 hours and never and never should the bottle be reused. If you drink by putting your lips on the bottle it is even worse because you introduce themselves many bacteria, breaking the initial hygienic balance. Plastic bottled water is also bad for the environment and it is time to free ourselves from a slavery favored by the economic interests of some but, it must be remembered, fed by our personal laziness, by the inability to change a status quo, A line of behavior we’re used to. How many times, for example, at the first symptoms of dehydration, we buy bottles of water outside the house, when we could recharge a bottle at home from the purifier and keep it in the bag? The saving of bottled water is of course a precise responsibility not only of the individual but also of institutions and
commercial activities: It is in schools, universities and community centres that the soil is more fertile for the establishment of new, healthier and more sustainable lifestyles and habits. Then what is the solution? Domestic water purification. This means a technological system which, by means of appropriate plants called sewage treatment plants, is carried out and activated to eliminate foreign or polluting substances from liquids (or gaseous) sys. One of the most effective water purification techniques is filtration; a treatment used to remove suspended solids that are not sedimentable, of various sizes and of an organic, inorganic or microbiological nature. Filtration consists in the passage of raw water through a filtering medium, reverse osmosis with ionized alkaline water system, the best for your health if you want to drink clean and safe water. Reverse osmosis water purification systems are generally composed of a set of microfiltration filters and one or more special filters called "osmotic membranes" whose pores are smaller than those of ultrafiltration. Reverse osmosis is the most effective domestic water purification method to eliminate all impurities of even minimum size.
ELEVEN REASONS WHY WATER IS GOOD FOR HEALTH Professionals of all kinds, doctors, nutritionists, athletic trainers and even beauticians, often recommend drinking a lot of water, but we do not always know how to focus the reasons for this invitation. Let’s examine more closely, focusing on some extraordinary functions performed by water, sometimes the real protagonist of important processes for the health of the organism. 1. Why salivation increases Water is naturally the main component of saliva, which is also made up of small amounts of electrolytes, mineral salts, enzymes and immunoglobulins. Salivation is essential for swallowing and digestion and has hygienic functions for the oral cavity. 2. Because it has a temperature regulating function Hydration plays an important role in regulating body temperature. Our body, in fact, disperses water with sweat and this process is intended to increase the body temperature if the water is not properly replenished. A 2% decrease in body weight already affects body temperatures and can cause headaches, increased heart rate and respiratory rate. 3. Because it protects the joints The water content in the joints is high, mainly due to synovial fluid, whose function is precisely to lubricate during movement. Long-term dehydration can reduce the shock absorption ability of joints, causing pain. In addition, 80% of the joints and discs in the spine consist of water. 4. Because it improves sports performance An athlete can lose from 6% to 10% of fluid during a training session. This is especially true when performing endurance exercises or practicing a particular intense sport such as basketball. t has been scientifically proven that a proper supply of water and mineral salts can affect strength, power
and endurance during physical activity. The active water, in fact, metabolism and this has a positive impact on the energy level. That’s why the installation of osmosis purifiers in gyms and sports centers, is a great way to encourage athletes to drink more and drink healthily. 5. Because it contributes to the oxygenation of blood Water intake improves circulation and transport of useful nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day prevents, in the long run, increased blood pressure. In the absence of water, in fact, the blood vessels will make the heart work harder work harder to deliver oxygen to the different parts of the body. 6. Why it prevents certain diseases Good hydration has a preventive function compared to the onset of kidney stones, urinary tract infections, hypertension, constipation, headaches, diabetes and cognitive deterioration. Drinking a lot of water also allows you to reduce the use of certain drugs and this is especially true in the elderly because aging lowers the water content in the body and at the same time decreases the stimulus of thirst. 7. Because it makes the skin brighter Drinking a lot of water stimulates the production of collagen and is definitely the best anti-aging treatment around! The water also has a powerful detox effect and therefore improves the skin characterized by dull complexion. To remember to drink more often it is useful to install on the smartphone reminder app and keep a bottle of purified water at home and/or in the office. 8. Why it facilitates weight loss Drinking water does not make you lose weight but it helps you lose weight. And this happens in different ways, because it stimulates and accelerates, as mentioned, metabolism, reduces hunger in a completely natural way and fights the accumulation of body fat. Using water as a substitute for sugary drinks, fruit juices or alcohol promotes weight loss due at the lowest caloric intake.
9. Why it improves digestion In a way we anticipated it about saliva, but it also applies to other secretions involved in the digestive process, such as gastric, bile and pancreatic juices: They all require water to be sure to make the cud that reaches the stomach more digestible. The most suitable water to promote digestion is that rich in bicarbonates and sulfates: tap water, properly treated and subjected to osmotic purification, is therefore an excellent ally for the well-being of the intestine and beyond. 10. Why it stimulates the brain Water intake is closely related to brain function. In fact, one of the first alarm bells of dehydration is the loss of concentration: brain cells work by using a "mixture" of water and other substances as fuel. In the absence of these nutrients, the brain tends to save some resources. Water makes all cognitive functions more agile, improves memory, reaction time and attention. In classrooms, universities and schools there should be water dispensers connected to the water supply, to allow students to hydrate immediately at the first signs of mental fatigue. 11. Does water affect the good performance of the dish? It would seem so and each preparation requires a different water if you aim for excellence. Steam cooking, for example, benefits from the use of purified water, which is deprived of some elements contained in tap water that can be absorbed by the raw materials being cooked. Boiled meat requires very soft water so that, by penetrating the fibers of the meat, it is softer and therefore digestible. Sparkling water is an important detail for frying the batters, which will be much lighter, crunchy and "fluffy". The water that undergoes a filtration treatment is also ideal for baked goods because it makes the dough easier to process. The water completely free of chlorine and other harmful components, also allows, during the preparation of vegetable dishes, to preserve the original color of vegetables, thus contributing to the final aesthetic effect. But how much would it cost to use mineral water if we were to use it in the kitchen in these massive amounts every day? And how high would be the price to pay also in terms of pollution from plastic and transport, CO2 emission, oil use? We could use tap water, but at what price for our health? Of course, buying even more mineral water than Italians
already consume to drink is not an option. A practical and economical solution is to install in your kitchen a distributor of reverse osmosis alkalizing with the possibility of producing sparkling water,for drink and fill jugs, taking advantage of the extremely low costs. This choice has not only personal convenience, both in terms of usability and in terms of economic savings, but also the ethical value because stopping buying bottled water will make a personal contribution to the fight against plastic.
CONCLUSION We talked at length about the theme "water", showing all the reasons to respect it, but certainly not because it is running out, no, because we must not waste it unnecessarily, it is a precious good for all our planet and for man. It all depends on this colorless liquid that gives life to everything it
touches, we find solutions to safeguard it, but we also find solutions for those who do not have water and die for this reason. All governments should promote aid in this direction and support initiatives to change distribution through plastic bottles, a business of recent years. Let’s go back to the old ways of bringing water from home and installing osmosis purifiers and if we find ourselves visiting the city, we can buy the glass bottle water with the vacuum to returnable, which then we can return to all the bars and supermarkets in the area. Water is a fundamental right on which life on Earth, human well-being and economic prosperity depend. The right to water was recognized as a fundamental right by the UN General Assembly in 2010, referring to art. 3 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights: everyone has the right to life. As the preamble of the 1948 Declaration itself indicates, respect for human rights is the basis of freedom, justice and peace in the world. If we want peace in the world, we must therefore be concerned that no one ever lacks water. This can be guaranteed on condition of understanding that it is a gift of nature, whose cycle must be safeguarded by the human economy itself and not a possession, something with which to speculate the lives of others or even get rich and want it all for itself with disastrous consequences, Like the South of the world! There, water is not a recognized right for the whole population, there are people who cannot even drink from a source of safe drinking water. Sub-Saharan Africa is the area of the world where people face the most serious shortage of drinking water and in particular: Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Angola, Mozambique, this part of Africa suffers greatly climatic drought and consequently lack of water. But it is not the only one, Asia and Oceania, like Papua New Guinea, Myanmar in Cambodia, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Yemen. Or 11% of the world’s population, equal to about seven hundred and sixty-eight million people who can’t drink from a safe source for their survival or the source is four or five hours away from there and so to get it you have to face a long way. It’s usually the job of women and girls to do it. Another consequence is an arid and unproductive soil, where agriculture is impracticable, but the health of people living in these poor areas is particularly affected. Why poor? There is no lack of land, there is no lack of water underground; there are no structures to bring these people back to life and survival. Building wells, plumbing systems that can bring water
where there is not, find solutions where you can say "ENOUGH" to all this. But it is not so! There is someone who wants to keep things as they are, someone very powerful who does not want this people and all peoples to evolve. I leave you with a beautiful poem by Noemi, Maria G. and Linda, which in a few rhymes explains the importance of water. With his rhymes he describes life running like water evolving in different forms, the water follows our life.
Now that I'm an old man I remember when I was a child and into the sea I ran. Now that I'm an old man
I remember when I was a teenager and in the rain I was left by my first girlfriend.
Now that I'm an old man I remember when I became a father and for the first time I saw tears in my child's eyes. Now that I'm an old man I understand what the water means and like life, it runs in its waves.
Sommario INTRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS THE IMPOTANCE OF WATER WATER MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY BLUE GOLD HOW TO DRINK WATER ELEVEN REASONS WHY WATER IS GOOD FOR HEALTH CONCLUSION
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