Importance of Clean Water

• Water is as necessary natural resource
• Humans need access to clean, safe drinking water in order to live
• Poor water quality is a major cause of disease and death in some countries
• Water usually needs to be treated before we can drink it
• Developing countries often lack the means to treat and supply water to citizens
• Developed countries tend to have much better sanitation
• Citizens have access to clean tap water
• Drinking water is not contaminated by sewage or waste water
• The supply of clean water would improve public health in many developing countries

Water Supply

• Urban life would be impossible without water supply systems
• These systems are massive engineering projects
• Many professionals are involved in their planning, construction and maintenance
• The supply and distribution of water are major concerns
• Water is becoming scarce in some countries
• Areas that suffer droughts often need to import water
• As populations grow, there is more pressure on water supplies
• This could lead to a water crisis

Water and Politics

• The supply of water is also an important political issue
• Huge amounts of water are needed for agriculture and industry
• The irrigation of crops accounts for a large proportions of water use
• A water crisis could lead to political conflicts or even wars

Argument: Water should be Free

• Some people believe that water should be free for everyone
• Governments should supply water to all homes at no cost
• Private companies should not be allowed to profit from this natural resource
• Money from taxes can be used to pay for water supply systems

Argument: Water should not be Free

• If water is free, people take it for granted
• They do not think about how much water they waste
• They leave taps running while washing or brushing their teeth
• If we have to pay for water, we will use it more responsibly
• Water supply systems are extremely expensive
• Investment is needed to maintain and improve them
• Private companies may provide a better service than governments
• If they provide an efficient service, they will make more money
• They will repair leaks to avoid losing money

Bottled Water: Opinions

• Some people carry bottles of water wherever they go
• For example, they take bottles of water to work or to the gym
• They believe that bottled water is healthier than tap water
• They also argue that it tastes better
• However, other people believe that we should consume less bottled water
• Plastic water bottles add to litter and waste problems
• Companies should not be able to make a profit from water
• It is unethical to make money by selling packaged water
• There is no difference in quality between bottled and tap water