From California to Bangladesh and many other parts of the world, water crisis looms large. This is an indication that by the end of the century or in a few centuries to come, global water resources will be greatly depleted. Climate change and inappropriate water use are some of the major factors contributing to this problem. Major water sources are rapidly shrinking as occasioned by significantly reduced rates of precipitation and an overzealous use of the available water resources that only serves to escalate the already visible water crisis. Without doubt, a serious water crisis is in the offing stemming mostly from mega droughts and increased salinity of the available water sources, hence the need to use the available water economically by using efficient water appliances in order to mitigate the crisis.
Problem 1
Meteorologists and scientists in general opine that California faces one of the most serious droughts ever witnessed in the region in the modern times. Researchers such as Toby Ault from Cornell University assert that “natural circumstances and climate change combine to put the likelihood of a decade-long drought in the Southwest at 50 percent to 80 percent” (Brennan). This means that a mega drought, especially in California, seems almost inevitable as a wide range of natural forces alongside climate change continue to precipitate the situation. I agree with Brennan’s observations considering that climate change continues to be associated with extreme weather events in many other parts of the world. As the major cause of the ongoing water crisis, drought may not be a problem for California or the U.S. alone. Many other countries, especially in the developing world are battling serious droughts that have made water availability a major problem. Expansive water sources that used to serve populations have shrunk or even become more saline to the extent that it is difficult to find clean drinking water. Drought alongside climate change has affected sea levels with cyclones inundating sources of drinking water and brackish water being pushed inland, thereby producing saline water that is not easy to drink.
Problem 2
The increase in salinity levels in the available water sources is the other factor contributing to the water crisis. As reported by Ahmed, one farmer comments, “I cannot grow as many crops as I did in the past. I’m trying but I cannot because of either drought or salinity.” Due to drought, people are forced to rely on ground water, which is often affected by cyclones that push ground water into fresh water ponds, thus making it saline. Saline conditions are not suitable for most crops. I agree that this situation is difficult for farmers. It also affects the general population since water has numerous uses at the domestic and industrial level. Salinity not only affects farming, but also overall human life since it makes water unsuitable for domestic and industrial use in some cases. In places like California that are projected to suffer prolonged periods of drought, life is expected to be devastating for humans and the entire ecosystem. In essence, the problem will be devastating both economically and ecologically. Just like humans, animals and the surrounding vegetation needs water to flourish. Therefore, lack of this vital resource would not only affect farming as an economic activity, but will also devastate the natural ecosystem.
Solution
Using water economically and capturing all the usable water can go a long way in mitigating water crisis in the face of the climate change phenomenon. According to Brennan, “A combination of small habit changes and selective investments can make a big dent in water consumption.” Essentially, Brennan believes that appropriate use of the available clean water resources and investing in efficient water appliance technology constitute one of the most effective strategies of dealing with the water crisis. Indeed, I concur that capturing all the available useable waters and getting rig of inefficient water appliances will greatly help to address the crisis brought about by drought. It has been established that inappropriate use of usable water contributes to the pressure caused by drought. For example, a lot of water often goes to waste due to use of inefficient water appliances such as dish washers, showers, clothe washers, and toilet flush among others. Likewise, inefficient appliances used in maintaining lawns, gardens and swimming pools also leads to unnecessary wastage of water that would otherwise be conserved for future use. Generally, in the face of a drought that seems difficult to mitigate due to natural circumstances and climate change, the way people use water will help to absorb some pressure emanating from the ongoing crisis.
In conclusion, drought and the inability to get adequate water for everyday use have precipitated a serious water crisis in California and other parts of the world. Farmers are already experiencing a crisis emanating from shortage of water appropriate for agricultural purposes while households are facing a serious predicament due to shortage of water suitable for domestic use. One major solution is to use water resources appropriately by installing efficient water appliances so as to reduce pressure on the growing demand for this essential commodity. If such remedies are not taken, the current crisis is bound to worsen. Water is an important component for plant and animal life. Even in the face of circumstances that are not entirely controllable by humans, it is important to take actions that may help reduce the severity of the circumstances. Therefore, efforts should be made by everyone involved to mitigate the current water problem in different parts of the world.
Works Cited
Ahmed, Moslem. “Water Crisis looming in developing Countries.”
Brennan, Deborah Sullivan. “Going dry.”
Brenna, Deborah Sullivan. “Water conservation hits home.”
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