Flow Flashcards: Fresh Water Issues

Questions and Answers

What is the world running out of?

Fresh water

What does the use of pesticides in agriculture lead to?

Birth defects in Mexico; fertility declines throughout Europe

In laboratory tests, what is Atrazine linked with?

Chemical castration in male frogs (correct)

High sperm counts

Increased fertility in humans

Ovarian cancer (correct)

Where is Atrazine legal and where is it banned?

Banned in the entire European Union; legal in the US Signup and view all the answers

In La Paz, Bolivia, what was diverted into the river?

The raw sewage Signup and view all the answers

What are poor countries being forced to do to their water systems?

Forced to hand over basic control of their water systems to large for-profit companies Signup and view all the answers

According to Julian Perez, what was the result of water privatization in the city of El Alto?

208,000 people have been excluded Signup and view all the answers

According to Jim Schultz, what are most of the childhood deaths in Bolivia linked to?

Illnesses that come from a lack of clean drinking water Signup and view all the answers

Why did violence erupt in Cochabamba after 1999?

The Bolivian government privatized the water systems in the city Signup and view all the answers

Who forced water privatization in Bolivia?

The World Bank Signup and view all the answers

According to Oscar Olivera, what is at stake in the water wars?

It is a fight against death; a fight for life Signup and view all the answers

What did the Bolivian government do in 2007?

Ended Suez' contract and returned the water systems to the people of La Paz Signup and view all the answers

Why are people drinking and using unclean water from the river in South Africa?

Government says to put a tablet in the water to clean it but it costs money too they can't afford Signup and view all the answers

How do poor people in South Africa get tap water?

Go wait hours at the tap Signup and view all the answers

How do poor people in South Africa pay for tap water?

Prepaid meters Signup and view all the answers

What did people in Chatsworth do in reaction to electricity and water cutoff?

Tried to reconnect the water supply/electricity illegally but as a community Signup and view all the answers

What does Jean-Luc Touly say about the progressive language the water companies use?

It's scandalous Signup and view all the answers

What does Maude Barlow say is just common sense?

You can't bring the same amount of quality water/healthcare/education to a population that needs it if you're also providing profit for your investors Signup and view all the answers

What did Ashok Gadgil come up to provide safe drinking water in Bomminampadu, India?

Not specified in the flashcard Signup and view all the answers

Where has most of the past aid investment in water safety gone in India?

Poor countries Signup and view all the answers

What days are ending?

Days of turning on the tap and expecting water to be there Signup and view all the answers

According to Erik Olson, how many people at the FDA are responsible for regulating bottled water?

Less than one person Signup and view all the answers

How much does the UN estimate it would cost to provide safe drinking water to the entire planet?

$30 billion Signup and view all the answers

How much is spent on bottled water every year?

$10.8 billion in the US; $100 billion worldwide Signup and view all the answers

What is the World Water Council (WWC)?

Corporate council to promote corporate takeover of water Signup and view all the answers

According to Jim Schultz, what does debt become for poor countries?

Noose around their neck with which the World Bank/IMF becomes the government Signup and view all the answers

According to Maude Barlow, what did the WWC understand about water?

It is the most precious commodity for any nation which makes it profitable and gives them power much like oil. Signup and view all the answers

According to Vandana Shiva, what is the Ganges river symbolic and central to in India?

A 'mother' Signup and view all the answers

How is the function of the Ganges river under threat to the people of India according to Vandana Shiva?

Their humanity and belief of a billion Indians is threatened Signup and view all the answers

In the 20th century, what changed the way that humans utilized water resources?

Idea that we can build huge dams, move rivers around, store water Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Water Scarcity

Freshwater resources are depleting globally, raising concerns about accessibility.
Water privatization has led to significant social and health issues in various regions.

Pesticides and Health

Use of pesticides in agriculture is linked to birth defects in Mexico and declining fertility in Europe.
Atrazine has been associated with severe health risks, such as "chemical castration" in male frogs and increased rates of cancer.

Atrazine Regulations

Atrazine is banned in the entire European Union but remains legal in the United States.

Water Quality Issues in Bolivia

La Paz, Bolivia, has experienced diversion of raw sewage into rivers, leading to health crises.
Water privatization in El Alto resulted in the exclusion of 208,000 residents.

Childhood Illnesses

Most childhood deaths in Bolivia are attributed to illnesses stemming from the lack of clean water.

Privatization and Protests

Cochabamba witnessed violent protests after the government privatized the city's water system in 1999.
Water privatization in Bolivia was mandated by the World Bank, exacerbating social tensions.

Community Action and Government Response

In 2007, the Bolivian government returned control of water systems in La Paz to the community.
Residents of Chatsworth, South Africa, reacted to water and electricity cuts by attempting to reconnect supplies illegally.

Challenges in South Africa

Many South African citizens must wait hours for access to tap water due to inadequate infrastructure.
Unaffordable purification tablets force some to consume contaminated river water.

Corporate Influence on Water

Water companies are criticized for using progressive language that obscures the reality of their profit-driven motives.
The World Water Council promotes corporate interests in water management, raising concerns about access and equity.

Economic Burdens on Poor Nations

Debt is described as a noose around the neck of poor nations, with international financial institutions exerting significant control.
Providing safe drinking water globally is estimated by the UN to cost around $30 billion.

Global Bottled Water Market

The US spends approximately $10.8 billion annually on bottled water, with worldwide spending hitting $100 billion.
Regulatory oversight of bottled water in the US is minimal, with fewer than one FDA employee dedicated to monitoring it.

Cultural Significance of Water

The Ganges River holds immense cultural importance in India, symbolizing motherhood and spirituality.
The health of the Ganges is directly tied to the identity and beliefs of millions of Indians.

Historical Changes in Water Management

In the 20th century, the perspective on water management shifted towards large-scale projects, including dam construction and water diversion strategies.
This shift fundamentally altered the way humans utilize and interact with water resources globally.

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Test your knowledge on critical water-related topics with these flashcards from 'For The Love of Water.' Explore the impact of pesticides and the alarming connections to health and environmental concerns. Perfect for understanding freshwater challenges faced globally.