Global and regional availability and the future of renewable freshwater supplies demands and human health

摘要

The paper discuses availability and the further of renewable freshwater supplies demands land human health. The situation is discussed in global and Indian perspectives. About one-third of the world's population lives in countries suffering from moderate to high water stress, that is, where water consumption is more than 10% of renewable freshwater resources. Some 80 countries, constituting 40% of the world's population, were suffering from serious water shortages by the mid-1990s (UNEP, 2002a), andit is estimated that in less than 25 years two-thirds of the world's people will be living in water-stressed countries (UNEP, 2002a). Freshwater resources all over the world are threatened not only by over exploitation and poor management but also by ecological degradation. The main source of freshwater pollution can be attributed to discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste and run-off from agricultural fields. Industrial growth, urbanization and the increasing use of synthetic organic substances have serious and adverse impacts on freshwater bodies. It is a generally accepted fact that the developed countries suffer from problems of chemical discharge into the water sources mainly ground water, while developing countries face problems of agricultural run-off and domestic sewage in water sources. Chemicals in drinking water causes problem to health and leads to water-borne diseases which can be prevented by taking measures can be taken even at the household level. Clearly, the problems associated with water pollution have the capabilities to disrupt life on our planet largely. Various Government have promulgated Environmental laws to combat water pollution. Nevertheless, the government alone cannot solve the entire problem. It is ultimatelyup to people to be informed, responsible and involved when it comes to the problems we face with our water.