Freshwater is essential for each and every community. An easily accessible source of drinking water is vital for the survival of both flora and fauna. A human can only go about three days without drinking water—in comparison, a human can usually survive ten days without food—as hydration balances body temperature and nourishes cells.  

Over the years, conservationists have struggled to create a universal source of clean water. Roger Leguen, a conservationist working for the WWF, concludes that “some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year.” 

One of the main causes of this global issue is the lack of proper water management. Freshwater sources are being drained faster than they can be replenished. An increase in population results in the decrease of resources throughout these crowded areas. In every country, aquifers, which transport groundwater, are quickly depleting.

A bigger issue that contributes to this freshwater famine is the destruction of ecosystems as a whole. The spread of pollution wipes out freshwater sources at an astronomical rate. Deforestation causes sediment, a mineral extremely dangerous to marine animals due to its toxic properties. 

Conservation International plans to join together with other environmentalist groups in order to remind the world about the importance of preserving freshwater sources. If communities work together to mitigate the damage previously caused, the vitality of clean water sources can finally be restored.