- Water covers nearly 70 percent of the Earth’s surface.
- The Nile River is the longest river in the world at 4132 miles long.
- Every year, 3.4 million people die because they lack clean water, sanitation, and hygienic necessities. 99 percent of these deaths occur in the developing world.
- 780 million people lack access to an improved water source — approximately 1 in 9 people.
- One 5-minute shower uses more water than one person in the slum of a developing country uses for a whole day.
- Today, a larger number of people own a mobile phone than those who have access to a toilet.
- People suffering from water-related illnesses fill half of the world's hospital beds.
- 10 percent of the global disease burden could be reduced with improved water supply. Not only would it increase hydration, but sanitation and hygiene as well.
- Just 33 percent of what the world spends on bottled water every year would pay to provide clean water for the 780 million without it.
- Lack of access to clean water and sanitation kills children at a rate of 200 an hour.
- Safe drinking water in undeveloped areas allows children — especially young girls — the opportunity to go back to school and in turn, fosters economic development.
Take shorter showers to conserve water. GO
Sources: Water, Science Kids, Blue Planet Network
