Introduction

Abstract

Water is the most precious resource on our planet. For the greater part of human history, water has been in abundant supply in most regions of the world and therefore an accessible resource for the vast majority of humanity. Sadly, this is no longer the case. In 2015, according to the United Nations, close to 800 million people have no access to safe, clean water sources and the number continues to climb. It is a crisis propelled by two factors: (1) surging population in the developing world and (2) water depletion and/or contamination caused by global warming and rampant unchecked pollution. Today, global population stands at approximately 7.1 billion and is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. The current level of water insecurity that affects nearly 800 million people will be exacerbated in future decades by growing population, pollution, and climate change.

The noblest of the elements is water.

—Pindar, 476 BC