A disagreement over water control has left residents of Turkish Cyprus without water. The ongoing crisis stems from a dispute over who controls the a newly-built pipeline, Turkey or Turkish Cyprus. As a result, residents have been seeking alternative water sources.
Read more here: Turkish Cyprus homes still await water from Turkey
Residents of Polapan, a remote village located in the Gujarat state of India, have been given unprecedented access to fresh water. The women and children of the village once spent hours each day searching for and collecting water from distant water sources (rivers, streams, wells,etc.).
Technology changed that. The Water and Sanitation Management Organisation (WASMO) installed a single pump to provide villagers with an immediate source of fresh water – accessible 24 hours a day. The one caveat to the fresh water pump is the availability of electricity, which is not a consistent resource in these remote areas.
Read more here: Water at doorstep: A scheme ushers change in lives of Sabarkantha tribal villagers
According to research by NASA and the National Science Foundation, the water temperature in fresh water lakes is rising at alarming rates. It’s a sign that climate change may be posing a greater effect on freshwater ecosystems than previously thought.
Read more here: Lakes temps rising globally, faster than air or oceans
Bijaya used to spend her days searching for water. In rural India, her community does not have the infrastructure for easy access to water. At times, Bijaya would pull her daughters from school to help her search for water.
Their world was forever changed when a water tubewell was installed in their backyard.
Read more here: Weaving a Future
A Water.org photo series documents water access in six countries worldwide. In many developing and under-developed countries, fresh water collection is tasked to women and young girls, a daily challenge that prevents them from an education.
View the series here: Photos documenting water access for women around the world
In water-stressed cities, efficiently designed buildings are key for keeping water consumption and costs low. The Guardian – in a recent article – lists the 10 best designs in water-stressed cities world-wide and details what they’re doing to curb water use.
Learn more here: From New York to Seoul: 10 of the best designs for water-stressed cities – in pictures
A river is becoming a focal point of ongoing tensions between Afghanistan and Iran. The Hari Rud river forms a natural border between the two countries, and serves as a precious resource of potable water. But, Afghan villagers claim Iranian soldiers are preventing them access to the river.
The security of fresh water resources is a top priority in the Middle East, particularly where there is ongoing tension over borders and where there is a dire need for fresh water resources.
Read more here: The rising costs of water: dire consequences for Afghans in battle with Iranians
This year’s Global Citizen festival featured Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank, and Big Bird discussing toilet use on the main stage in Central Park. Sanitation is finally a top priority. And, it should be. Sanitation costs the world $260B per year in losses.
The World Bank has announced a commitment to invest $15B to fund sanitation globally. That includes safe access to toilets and water.
Read more here: Tweets for toilets: how A-listers saved sanitation
In Pakistan, 1,200 deaths this summer resulted from a lack of access to fresh water. A population boom and industry that requires massive amounts of water have exacerbated the problem. Pakistan is in the midst of a water crisis.
Read more here: The ‘water mafias’ that suck Karachi dry
A joint effort by the Tanzanian government and health organizations has helped to decrease the number of cholera cases in the region. Cholera is a water-borne disease caused by drinking contaminated water or food prepared in contaminated water. The group worked together to educate the public on the importance of clean drinking water, proper sanitation and good hygiene.
Read more here: Tanzania: Cholera Spread Seen Shrinking
