You need to be the judge about global water issues after you know the facts. Urban legends and sensational news headlines are myths not facts about the world water situation. So here are 10 of the biggest myths about water and the world water crisis.
Myth 1
There is less fresh water today (2008) than there was 100 years ago.
False
The same amount of fresh water exists today as existed 100 years ago and 1 million years ago. The 21st century Earth today has many more demands for fresh water and because demand continues to grow but our supply of fresh water stays the same, everyone should try to conserve and protect our water resources. In actuality our fresh water supply is finite and becoming contaminated to the point where rainwater renewal is not viable.
Myth 2
Municipal drinking water in America is safe and contaminant free.
False
American drinking water differs across the country and various chemicals and pollutants have been found in water treated by filtration systems and are still be found in many drinking water systems. Dirty water doesn't always look unclean nor have chemicals you can see floating in it. The quality of American municipal water from the kitchen tap is questionable and at time tainted with potentially harmful chemicals.
Myth 3
America does not have a fresh water crisis now or looming in the future. The United States has plenty of fresh water.
False
The Great Lakes of the USA are shrinking and the Sierra Nevada snow capped mountains have less melting snow yearly to fill streams and rivers. Seven states share the Colorado River water (Co., Wy., Utah, NM, Ar., Nev. And Ca) and its flow level is dropping. Upstate New York's reservoirs are at record lows and 36 states are projected to have severs water shortages within 5 years, due to population growth and demand for more water.
Myth 4
Mineral water is better for your health than just fresh drinking water.
False
No evidence exists that the human gains any minerals or direct health benefits from oral consumption of mineral water. Most minerals are absorbed by humans through the consumption of vegetables, especially green foods.
Myth 5
Many people get enough water from iced tea, soft drinks, juices and coffee.
False
Many drinks consumed by people today are considered diuretics or solutes and do not help hydrate your body on a cellular level.
Myth 6
After you use water it is gone---flush---whoosh---trickle--- a swirl down the drain and it vanishes. Gone forever!
False
Water is recycled and reused over and over through our treatment plants, ground water aquifers, rain cycles and other means.
Myth 7
Lead found in drinking water comes from chemical plant contamination or improper treatment plant filtering.
False
Usually lead found in American household tap water is the result of the plumbing in the house. Such as lead pipes or the use of lead solder in the home system.
Myth 8
Water cures disease and third world nations need better recycling systems.
This is false and true
The World Health Organization has released statistics that:
- every 8 seconds a child dies from dirty water around the globe
- 90% of all waste water runs off into lakes and rivers globally
- one half of all hospital beds around the world have people in them due to water borne diseases.
The developing third world nations are facing critical water shortages by 2050, if more renewable fresh water systems are not implemented immediately (WHO & UN).
Myth 9
Fresh water makes up 50% of all water resources on the Earth.
False
Only 3% of all the water on the Earth is fresh (drinkable) water. The serious nature of global warming may alter life on Earth more than most realize, because 2% of all fresh water is found in the glaciers.
Rivers and lakes are only 1/50th of the remaining 1% of fresh ground water. Even more shocking is that really only ½ of the 1% of fresh water is accessible.
Myth 10
Mining does not really bother ground water reserves or aquifers.
False
Studies by over 10 major research centers, universities and the CDC show that mining (and manufacturing) pollute ground water with heavy metals, acids, depleted uranium and POP's.
Looks like a crisis to me!
