Water Shortages impact all aspects of our lives, no matter how much we think they may not. Recent climate changes have caused both drought and flooding all over the globe, and even though flooding may mean loads of water, it also means less water to drink.
Climate change impacts on our most basic human needs such as water, food, health and even shelter. This is mostly due to a lack of fresh water, which includes potable water for drinking purposes, water for agricultural purposes, water for personal hygiene and water needed for industrial use.
Human beings need food and water to drink; when there is no water to drink they become dehydrated, and when there is no water for agricultural purposes then there are problems with reductions in crop yields and a reduction in livestock productivity. Droughts are a scourge in many African countries, and could result in as much as 50% decline in rain-fed agriculture by 2020.
Climate change also negatively affects water supply and water quality, especially in semi-arid or arid countries such as those in southern Africa, north-eastern Brazil and in the Mediterranean. There will be a massive reduction in water resources, especially in those areas that are already water-stressed as a result of mounting population pressures, water resource extraction, and droughts.
Lack of potable drinking water can lead to dehydration, which will have various negative health effects, including:
- chest pain
- confusion
- decreased sweating and urination
- dim vision or temporary blindness
- extreme fatigue
- increased heart rate, respiration and body temperature
- muscle cramps and spasms
- nausea and constipation
- neuromuscular seizures
- neuro-sensory disturbances like tingling, or numbness
- rapid pulse
- respiratory depression
- severe headaches
- vomiting
- coma, or even death
Drinking water on a regular basis is vital for good health, but it is important that your drinking water is pure and free of toxins. The best way to do this is to purchase a mains water cooler with a good filter that is plumbed directly into your main water line.
Get bottled water cooler or mains water cooler from Living-Water.
