The Global Water Challenge

Lexile: 1050 | Grade: 9

Passage

Water covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface, but less than 1% of it is fresh and accessible for drinking, farming, and sanitation. For millions of people around the world, clean water is not guaranteed. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, more than 2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water. This global issue affects health, education, and economic development—especially in low-income regions.

In many rural communities, people—often women and children—walk for hours each day to collect water. The time spent gathering water often replaces time that could be used for school or work. Even then, the water collected may be unsafe, carrying bacteria that lead to diseases like cholera or dysentery.

The effects of water scarcity extend beyond individuals. Crops fail without irrigation, hospitals struggle to maintain hygiene, and entire economies suffer when people are too sick or too burdened to participate fully. Climate change is making the problem worse, as droughts become longer and rainfall less predictable.

But there are solutions. In some areas, low-cost filtration systems and solar-powered water pumps have helped transform communities. Governments, nonprofits, and innovators are working to expand access through better infrastructure, education, and international cooperation.

Clean water is not just a resource—it’s a foundation for dignity, opportunity, and life. Solving the water crisis will require global effort, creative thinking, and a recognition that water is not infinite, but shared.