Need for Clean Water in Haiti

Haiti is considered to be the one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. 80% of the population lives in extreme poverty. Two-thirds of all Haitians depend on the agriculture for income, which consists mainly of small-scale farming. Haiti also suffers from inflation, a lack of investment, and a severe trade deficit. Civil issues combined with damage from flooding in southern Haiti in May 2004 and natural disasters such as many hurricanes frequently sweep the nation.

Haiti was hit by four storms. These storms were Fay Gustav, Hanna, and Ike all in approximately one month. These storms killed about 800 people, and 1000 people were considered to be missing. 520 of those killed were living in the hardest hit city which is the second large city in Haiti. This city is known as the Port city of Gonaives. This situation in this particular city was very serious. Gonaives was completely paralyzed and submerged under two meters of flood water. These storms also destroyed thousands of homes and large amounts of crops. One of the main concerns after the Haitian flooding crisis is the need for clean water.

These storms have further damaged the already contaminated water supply for Haitians. More than 1 billion people including Haitians lack access to safe drinking water worldwide. Contaminated drinking water causes around 200 deaths per hour of children below age 5, and stunts development in the growth process. There are many reasons why access to clean water is essential worldwide. Clean water is vital to the human body. The human body is 50 to 70 per cent water, and needs a regular supply of clean water to maintain proper health. People need clean water for cooking and making beverages. We must work to clean water worldwide in order to maintain sufficient sources to supply this need. Not only fish, but other meats, fruits, and vegetables will become contaminated. Water must also be clean for wildlife that does not only live in the water, but depends on clean water for health and cleanliness. From early preschool years onward, children must be are taught proper rules of hygiene and it all depends on clean water.

Centralized treatments, piped water systems, the routine use of bottled water or fuel to boil drinking water are not affordable for households with average incomes below $1 a day. Haitians are underserved and are in desperate need a for a large, effective, and affordable water purification technology, implemented through a sustainable model. Two good examples of water purifications can be found through distributing an accessible filtration process. The distribution of the Biosand Filter and the Life straw together for Haitians seems like a good solution. The Biosand Filter can be built from local materials such as sand and concrete and removes 98% of all water imperfections. It can be accessed in separate homes or possibly shared by small communities or families. The Life Straw is a portable filtration system that is in the shape of a straw and when being used filters out 98% of all water imperfections as well. The Biosand Filter can be used for stationary household or community usage, and the life straw for portable needs.

By being able to filter out the bad substances and diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A and many types of tape worms, this will reduce the risk of early deaths and increase healthier and safer living throughout the communities with contaminated water in Haiti due to the floods. The consequences of inadequate access to clean water are too great. Many have expressed growing concern that water wars are more likely in the future than current battles for oil. Where access to clean water is the very essence of life, “no water” may mean “no peace.”