Margaret D. Andrews
70% of the world’s surface is covered with water. 3% of the earths water is fresh water, but 2% is locked in glaciers and the polar ice cap, leaving just 1% available for human and other uses.
Only 12% of ocean oil pollution comes from tanker accidents. Most of it comes from deliberate disposal into the waterways by car owners, cities and factories. Ships pollute the oceans when they dump plastic bags, oil, sewage and garbage.
Around the world, cities are growing rapidly. People, animals and plants all share increasingly crowded spaces. Cities like New York and Los Angeles must find better ways to save water.
In many cities in poor nations, there is not enough clean water for drinking and bathing. Children get diseases from polluted water.
Water Pollution can be caused by sewage, garbage, chemicals, radioactive wastes, and runoffs of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Water evaporates into the air and rains back down to the earth. Keeping it clean and using it wisely will help make sure we have safe water in the future.
The average price for water in North America is $1.27 for 1,000 gallons. One penny buys 126 eight ounce glasses of water.