New Web Site Targets World's Unsafe Drinking Water(1/2)

More than 1 billion people around the world do not have clean drinking water. Their water supplies are unsafe because of natural or man-made pollution, such as industrial chemicals or human and animal wastes. Water-related diseases, like cholera" class="hjdict" word="cholera" target=_blank>cholera and guinea worm" class="hjdict" word="guinea worm" target=_blank>guinea worm, kill millions of people each year, mostly children.

Last week the United States National Academy of Sciences launched "Safe Drinking Water Is Essential." This Internet-based resource, at drinking-water.org, is presented as the first tool of its kind. The aim is to provide high-quality scientific information about improving the safety of drinking water supplies.

The information is provided in five languages: English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Arabic. Some information is presented in short video documentaries.

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"In rural areas that lack adequate distribution systems, treatment can be applied at the point of use, using household treatment technologies. Some of these technologies have fairly low cost and are used in areas around the world. Some common treatments used in the developing world include chlorination, filtration and solar disinfection. With many treatment options available, there is no one-size-fits-all solution."