Infrastructure Key To Controlling Water Shortage

An environmental problem that doesn't seem to care whether a country is rich or poor is threatening the health of nearly every person on earth. Rapidly decreasing water supplies and increasing contamination are making water unsafe to drink across the globe, even in so-called "developed" countries, according to a report released today by the World Wildlife Fund. The reason many developed countries are facing such significant water issues stems back to decaying water infrastructure. The report calls on the developed world to use its wealth to rehabilitate its water system for the health of its people.

"Some of the world's thirstiest cities, such as Houston and Sydney, are using more water than can be replenished. In London, leakage and loss is estimated at 300 Olympic-size swimming pools daily due to ageing water mains. It is however notable that cities with less severe water issues such as New York tend to have a longer tradition of conserving catchment areas and expansive green areas within their boundaries."