Water is a finite resource. Together with air, it is the most
important substance for
human survival. However, with the rapidly increasing
global population, the world is now faced with water
shortages never before experienced in human history. At present, about 500 million people
face water shortages globally with the attendant health risks. This figure is expected to rise to 4 billion by the Year 2050. Therefore, water is definitely going to be one of the important issues man will face by the middle of the twenty-first century and it has the potential of generating global unrest, conflicts and wars. Concerted efforts need to be made at all levels to address the water problem by limiting populating growth, reducing pollution and achieving international cooperation in the management of river basins and other water sources. Water is life, it must be protected.