The convenience of clean water can be taken for granted easily, especially in developed countries. It is a privilege to have access to clean and fresh water supplies. Communities are dependent on clean water supplies for their health and prosperity.
Irrigation and agriculture are dependent on clean water for healthy crops, and it has a direct impact on the quality of food a community has access to. When a community does not have access to clean water, they can develop all kinds of illnesses like cholera or typhoid from consuming polluted water.
Many people in rural communities live off the land for survival, but they also need clean water to grow their own crops. People who live in rural conditions often need to haul clean water from its source, and these clean water sources can be located many kilometres from the village or community.
These excursions in search of clean water can take up a large chunk of the day, and it allows less time for other activities like schooling or making money. The provision of clean water to rural communities can therefore improve health, combat disease, and make more time for education.
It is easy to see why clean water can give a huge boost to rural communities. Once there is more time for the pursuit of educational practices, people can escape the cycle that keeps them trapped in poverty.
Initiatives like The Water Project and water.org host countless projects throughout the year, providing safe water and sanitation to people who need it most. Some of their projects include but are not limited to digging wells, building dams, and installing devices for water sanitation and extraction.
Polluted water can be detrimental to communities that do not have the knowledge or means to treat their water supplies. The provision of fresh water to communities that need it most is one way to ensure that people can stay healthier when they need to make a living off the land.
If you are interested in launching your own environmental project for rural communities that need access to clean water, you can find use these tips for hosting an event for the cause.