We are blessed with excellent drinking water quality. Due to its geographical location and topography, Austria possesses large drinking water resources and reserves. What we take for granted is a luxury for many in this world.
Clean water is becoming scarcer
It is estimated that more than 1 billion people worldwide have no access to clean drinking water. According to the current UNESCO World Water Report, population growth, rising consumption, and higher living standards will further exacerbate the already dramatic water shortages in many regions of the world. (Source: www.bmnt.gv.at)
People spend hours every day fetching water. Water shortages are also one of the most common causes of illness and death in third countries. Millions of people die every year from diseases such as diarrhea, malaria, etc.
Be careful when traveling
In many countries, clean drinking water is available for refilling in public places. However, unless you are 100% sure that the tap water is free of germs and limescale, you should never drink it. Instead, access high-quality drinking water in supermarkets, etc.
What can we do?
Future generations should also have access to sufficient water resources of excellent quality. Therefore, it is important that we use the available water sparingly. It is enough to take shorter showers and not let the tap run unnecessarily.