Page 22 - WAPTAG TIMES_9th Aug2024.indd

DO

YOU

KNOW?

INTERESTING FACTS • Diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery
thrive in unsanitary conditions, underscoring
ABOUT: WATER the critical need for access to clean water and
proper sanitation facilities.
MICROPLASTICS MENACE
Source: Centers for Disease Control and
• Did you know that a single bottle of water may Prevention (CDC)
contain thousands of microplastic particles?

DESALINATION INNOVATION
• These tiny plastic fragments, often invisible
to the naked eye, have infiltrated our water • With water scarcity on the rise, desalination has
sources, raising concerns about their potential emerged as a promising solution to augment
impact on human health. freshwater supplies.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO) • Advancements in desalination technologies
have made it more energy-efficient and cost-
VIRTUAL WATER effective, offering hope for regions grappling
with dwindling water resources.
• Beyond what flows from our taps, every product
we consume has a hidden water footprint Source: International Desalination Association
known as "virtual water." (IDA)

• For instance, it takes about 1,800 gallons of WATER-ENERGY NEXUS
water to produce a single pound of beef,
highlighting the interconnectedness of water • The nexus between water and energy is
use across various sectors. undeniable, with water-intensive industries
consuming a significant portion of global
Source: UNESCO World Water Assessment energy.
Programme (WWAP)
• By optimizing water usage and investing in
WATERBORNE DISEASES renewable energy sources, we can mitigate the
environmental impact of water-related activities
• Contaminated water is a breeding ground for while promoting energy efficiency.
waterborne diseases, claiming the lives of over
2 million people annually. Source: World Economic Forum (WEF)

22 | WAPTAG Times DO YOU KNOW?