Protecting Colombia's Clean Water PDF

**Protecting Colombia's Clean Water (By Deborah Bensen February 13, 2023)** Heavy rainfall and large sources of freshwater are abundant in Central and South America, but many pockets in this region are still without clean water. The Latin America water crisis is very present, and we will look at th...

**Protecting Colombia's Clean Water (By Deborah Bensen February 13, 2023)** Heavy rainfall and large sources of freshwater are abundant in Central and South America, but many pockets in this region are still without clean water. The Latin America water crisis is very present, and we will look at the challenges faced by the third most populous country in this region, Colombia. Many years of crime and corruption made it difficult for the [[people of the country]](https://healingwaters.org/saturate/) to prosper and even survive when dealing with polluted water, but recent improvements and surges in tourism have helped the economy recover. However, many rural and indigenous areas still go without proper water resources. While the Colombian government works to handle illegal activity harming the water supply, the population continues to grow and make the burden larger. This is why it is important to find solutions before problems get worse. We will examine the causes of water pollution, what areas are most affected, and some solutions to protecting Colombia's water sources from more pollution and damage. **Water Pollution in Colombia** The continuing increase in population leads to more pollution from larger households and agricultural industries. Unfortunately, wastewater and other water infrastructure currently in place cannot keep up with the high levels of pollution. Some sources of water are so polluted that it cannot even be touched without severe negative consequences to one's health. Polluted water affects the livelihood of coffee farmers and forces many to travel further or pay more for clean water. These issues only perpetuate the cycle of [[poverty]](https://healingwaters.org/how-are-water-and-sanitation-linked-to-disease-and-poverty/) and inequality. We will look at some specific areas and causes below. **Colombia's Access to Clean Water** Given Colombia's geographical features and climate, you would think [[water scarcity]](https://healingwaters.org/10-interesting-facts-about-water-scarcity/) would not exist in this area. In fact, Colombia's borders hold one of the largest amounts of freshwater resources available in [[the world]](https://healingwaters.org/what-is-causing-water-scarcity-in-africa/). However, around 5% of the [[population]](https://healingwaters.org/how-does-population-growth-affect-water-scarcity/) has no access to clean water. Nearly all of those without clean water live in rural areas, making it difficult for the government to make inclusive policies to help all of the country's citizens. To paint a clearer picture of the Colombia [[water crisis]](https://healingwaters.org/why-are-we-facing-a-global-water-crisis/), here are a few noteworthy facts. - The agricultural industry is responsible for over half of the country's water usage. - Over one million people in Colombia lack [[access to clean water]](https://healingwaters.org/10-interesting-facts-about-water-scarcity/). - Over three million people do not have access to basic bathroom facilities such as toilets or [[hand washing]](https://healingwaters.org/what-is-a-tippy-tap-hand-washing-device/) sinks. - Only 84% of the country has access to a sewage system. **Water Hot Spots** Some areas of the country deal with larger risks than others, either from a lack of nearby clean water sources, crime, pollution, and negative effects of climate change. Here are a few of the most concerning water-stressed areas: - The northern border of the country deals with criminal groups who gain power from acts of illegal mining. These groups mostly mine for gold, which in turn poisons water sources in the area. - Even the wetlands of Colombia are not immune from issues. Deforestation, droughts, and the fishing industry have drained some of the largest basins in the country that are responsible for providing water to the agricultural industry. - Grasslands near the capital city Bogota are slowly depleting from higher temperatures and a growing population. This area, known as paramos, is crucial to supplying water to the country's largest city. Without it, the residents of Bogota only have the polluted Bogota River as its nearest freshwater source. **Lack of Clean Water Locations** As is common with many water-stressed regions, rural areas tend to take a bigger hit than more populated cities. The eastern part of the country has an abundance of freshwater sources near the Amazon rainforest, but in the past has dealt with heavy deforestation affecting the water basins and rivers. The more urbanized part of the country is not without freshwater sources, but faces issues with overpopulation and pollution. **Solutions to Protecting Clean Water in Colombia** There is a lot of work needed to protect the clean water sources left in Colombia, but luckily, the government in Colombia has already taken steps to promote some oversight of this issue. As the government cracks down on illegal activity and the economy improves, the focus on clean water for everyone is more important than ever. By narrowing the focus to the areas where [[water scarcity]](https://healingwaters.org/10-interesting-facts-about-water-scarcity/) has the largest impact, relief plans are set in motion so every Colombian citizen can have access to clean water by next year! Healing Waters International wants to help Colombia and other Latin American nations find solutions to water related issues. Just like the Colombian government works to provide universal water access, it is also our mission to see every person in the world with inexpensive access to clean water. Take a look at what [[water solution projects]](https://healingwaters.org/projects/) we have completed in South America and other parts [[all around the world]](https://healingwaters.org/the-cambodia-water-crisis-how-you-can-help/). Our staff is always ready for the next project, no matter what the challenge, but we'll need your help. We want to work with the Colombian government as they help protect their existing clean water sources. For the areas already dealing with polluted water or lack of freshwater sources, we can provide easy and inexpensive ways to make quick and [[impactful changes]](https://healingwaters.org/water-filtration-systems-for-developing-countries/). We know [[purifying water]](https://healingwaters.org/what-is-a-tippy-tap-hand-washing-device/) might seem costly, but we make it our goal to provide economically feasible solutions for even the most remote communities. Our [[water filtration solutions]](https://healingwaters.org/water-filtration-systems-for-developing-countries/) can help clean up Colombia's water and change millions of lives for the better. Our solutions last because we take the time to educate the populace, provide [[hygiene education and training]](https://healingwaters.org/health-and-hygiene-training/), and empower the community to take ownership of their own water business. This way, future generations will continue to thrive and keep themselves safe from water-related diseases. Want to learn more?[[ Contact us]](https://healingwaters.org/contact/) to find out how you can get involved or help contribute to our mission to provide clean water for all! Or [[donate ]](https://give.healingwaters.org/give/386248/#!/donation/checkout)today! Taken from: [[https://healingwaters.org/protecting-colombias-clean-water/\#:\~:text=The%20agricultural%20industry%20is%20responsible,access%20to%20a%20sewage%20system]](https://healingwaters.org/protecting-colombias-clean-water/#:~:text=The%20agricultural%20industry%20is%20responsible,access%20to%20a%20sewage%20system).