While in between books for school, I picked up a copy of Elizabeth Royte’s Bottlemania. I had previously read (and reviewed) her book Garbage Land. Through two chapters, I have thoroughly enjoyed Royte’s writing and introduction to bottled water. This first set of Five Friday Facts from the book provides an overview of water issues globally and domestically.
- Today, more than a billion people lack sufficient access to safe water. The United Nations projects that by 2025, increases in population and pollution, combined with drought and the reduced recharge of ground water, will leave two out of three people in a similar situation.
- Overpumping of its aquifer is causing Mexico City to sink.
- 80 percent of the surface waters in China and 75% of those in India are polluted beyond use.
- In the United States, the EPA projects that 36 states will experience water shortages by 2013.
- Altogether, more than 700 domestic and 75 imported brands of bottled water are sold in the United States.
Image source: Metropolitan Museum of Art
