Ecopol Project - Portland State University

Despite the fact that earth covers 70% of the earth's surface, nearly one billion people lack access to clean water, and it is estimated that every 21 seconds a child dies from a preventable, water-related illness or disease. Over the course of industrialization, nations have begun to privatize water sources in order to maximize the operational efficiency of water regulating agencies and businesses. This privatization is happening all over the world, and is a cause for concern because it introduces bulky, invasive water treating systems into the water cycle, which in turn are polluting the same water sources that they aim to purify with harsh chemicals. While introducing an element of efficiency from a business standpoint, this process entirely jams up the natural water cycle and makes accessing clean water a near impossibility for many.

Many barriers exist that prevent not only individuals but in some cases entire communities from accessing clean water. While extensive, the vast majority of these barriers lie within the political and/or economical domains, which fundamentally indicates that it's within our power to change through participating and supporting programs and policies that aim to effectively change the way in which we obtain and access water. These programs and policies not only target poor communities within industrialized nations such as our own, but also reach out to industrializing and third world countries around the world. For more information about how to get involved check out: www.water.org