The Early Years 2010: Swallow This

Originally Posted on June 9th, 2010.

1.1 billion people in the world lack access to clean drinking water.
Contaminated water causes the deaths of 1.7 million people in developing countries each year. Children account for 90% of these deaths.
A developing-nation family living where water must be carried several miles from a well finds that one gallon per person per day is sufficient to provide for all of its essential needs, including cooking and washing. Yet, a typical household in the United States consumes an average of 100 gallons per person per day. If all indirect uses are added (especially irrigation), this figure increases to 1,300 gallons per person per day.
(Wright, 2008)