India Continues to Struggle with Clean Water Shortage

 Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. potable (adj.) [poh-tuh-buhl] – safe for drinking

Example: A new device was invented to make rainwater clean and potable.

2. tap (n.) [tap] –  a device used to control the flow of liquid from a source

Example: She put a glass under the tap to get some water.

3. pump (v.) [puhmp] – to deliver or pour water with pressure

Example: The government installed pipes that will pump water to different parts of the city.

4. industrialization (n.) [in-duhs-tree-uh-luh-zey-shuhn] – the development of factories and businesses in an area

Example: Experts believe greater industrialization will attract foreign investors.

5. deplete (v.) [dih-pleet] – to have a large decrease in amount; to use up

Example: The country’s food supply was depleted last year because strong storms destroyed crops.

Article
Read the text below.

With water shortage currently happening in India, residents are struggling to get clean and potable water. People living in neighborhoods just outside New Delhi get their water from a tap turned on by the government three times a day. They have no pipes that pump water directly into their houses. When the tap is open, people line up to fill their buckets and bottles. They also let their children take a shower in the flowing water. However, health and cleanliness is a big problem because the water comes from a tap near garbage and green algae. People who drink this water even get sick several times a month. A few people have tried pumping their own water from the ground, but these pumps are considered illegal. Some people have made a business from selling clean water. Prakash Sahoo rides his bicycle around the neighborhood selling water for 10 rupees (¥14) per container. However, many people in the community cannot even afford the service. New Delhi itself is relying on nearby states for water, but these states are experiencing water shortages as well. In some areas, delivery by trucks three times a week is the only way to get water. According to Indian authorities, fast growth of cities, industrialization and the increasing population have continuously depleted ground water in India. Moreover, only 4% of India’s water resources are renewable, despite 18% of the world’s population living there. To try to solve the problem, India is developing a national river conservation plan to clean pollution in rivers.

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor. 

Discussion A

·         Why do you think some people are not able to protect their water resources? Do you think culture and discipline are reasons?

·         How can people better protect or care for water resources?

Discussion B

·         How do you ensure that the water you drink is clean?

·         What do you think the government should do so that everyone can get clean water?