Water as a World Health Issue


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  • One-sixth of the world’s people lack access to safe water, and as of 2011, 185 million people still depend on surface water for their water needs.
  • 88% of all diseases are caused by unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene.
  • Children born into poverty are almost twice as likely to die before the age of five than children from more prosperous homes.
  • The average American uses 100-175 gallons of water per day.  The average African family uses 5 gallons of water per day.
  • Water poverty also negatively impacts education, local economies, agricultural efforts and gender equality.
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