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World Water Crisis – Your Questions & Answers

Here are the questions that you asked about water and the world water crisis... and Dr Caroline Sullivan's answers.

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Q1: How can the world run out of water? These are regional problems for example where population increases are making water more expensive they are sovereign issues not a global crisis. Do you agree?

Q2: If we save water by watering the plants with our washing up water, switching the tap off when we are brushing our teeth, fitting a water meter etc... what difference does this make to those countries that are lacking in any safe water to drink? Or will it just help our own countries water levels?

Q3: Is there an international treaty to privatise water?

Q4: When planning new towns etc particularly near coastal areas, why can't seawater be used for toilets and washing?

Q5: What have been the best success stories in the developing world where a private company, a public company and a mix involving community organisations has run water supply?

Question 6 – Question 10

Question 11 – Question 14

Q1: How can the world run out of water? The statement itself seems to be deliberately deceptive. These are regional problems for example where population increases are making water more expensive they are sovereign issues not a global crisis. Do you agree?
Adam, Worcester

Dr Sullivan: It is certainly true that there is enough fresh water in the world to meet human needs.

The problem arises when some areas have low supplies due to droughts, and responses to relieve that are not made quickly enough, not only by the national government, but also by the international community.

We have the technology to predict droughts much more accurately, especially in vulnerable areas. Also, in such vulnerable areas, there could be a case made to build water storage, but this must be done in an environmentally sensitive way.

Q2: If we save water by watering the plants with our washing up water, switching the tap off when we are brushing our teeth, fitting a water meter etc... what difference does this make to those countries that are lacking in any safe water to drink? Or will it just help our own countries water levels?
Ruth, Shropshire

Dr Sullivan: Everyone makes a difference by the way they chose to live. If you change your eating habits it will have a much bigger impact, since most water used by humans is used for agriculture (about 70% of the global total) – eat less meat, try to avoid unnecessary consumption of any type, and ensure you do everything you can to not waste water yourself. Try to educate others to think the same way.

Q3: Is there an international treaty to privatise water?
Hemba, Newcastle

Dr Sullivan: NO – It is simply the fact that by privitising the water service, the government is no longer held responsible for the running, maintenance and operation of the water service. This means it can use its tax revenue for other purposes, and consumers pay the costs directly to the water company.

Q4: When planning new towns etc particularly near coastal areas, why can't seawater be used for toilets and washing?
Martin Hepton, Portugal

Dr Sullivan: There is certainly potential to develop alternative sources of water for 'municipal' uses – flushing drains, fire fighting, irrigation, etc. This could be direct use of sea water, or by collection of rainwater, and better land use planning so that new towns are built in such a way as proper measures are taken to ensure enough water is available, and suitable technology is applied to get maximum benefit from every drop of fresh water.

Q5: What have been the best success stories in the developing world where a private company, a public company and a mix involving community organisations has run water supply?
Conrad Young, London

Dr Sullivan: Cost-effective operation, coverage and affordability is a good definition of success, but in my view, we must bear in mind that there is lots of room for the private sector to contribute to water development, and indeed, in terms of domestic water provision, over 90% globally is carried out by the public sector.

Since the public sector is financed by the tax payer, this is putting a heavy burden on tax payers. If a scheme can be developed whereby private business can be involved in water management in an equitable way, with controls in place to prevent abuse, this could be a step forward, since water provision is an increasingly costly business as human populations rise and water supplies decrease (as a result of pollution and climate change).

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