A look at the water “shortages” crisis in foreign countries – part 1.
By Marica Micallef
As I have pointed at in two other blogs, the WEF is now talking about water shortages and how it can bring about its solution so that this can be alleviated. Some of you might think that this water crisis is being brought about by droughts due to climate change. I have already written about the alleged climate change and what is causing it. For others, the water crisis might be normal in poor countries or in cases of mishaps or leakages. Well, we must learn to ask questions and link matters together.
In this blog, together with another two, I will be tackling how this so-called shortage is being brought about by design and how other countries are being affected by this shortage.
In 2021, according to a drought monitor provided by the United States Department of Agriculture, approximately 55% of the state of Wisconsin was experiencing at least moderate drought conditions, including at least part of 52 of the state’s 72 counties. Included in that total is 8% of the state, including at least parts of 14 counties in southeastern Wisconsin as well as Vernon and Crawford counties. An additional 0.8% of the state, covering all of Kenosha and parts of Walworth and Racine counties, was categorized as experiencing severe drought.
Such a drought damages some plants, crops, and pastures, causes water shortages, and some voluntary water-use restrictions are requested. Last year, the City of Stanley made such a request from its citizens and businesses.[1] Water restrictions have historically been enacted due to water shortages as water shortages are a side-effect of such drought periods, such as the Village of Lake Hallie’s outdoor watering ban imposed last year[2]. Drought causes significant damage to crops, pastures, and widespread water shortages, as well as fish kills in shallower bodies of water.
In the same month, central Iowa residents were called by Des Moines Water Works to reduce water consumption by 25%, by not watering their lawns and not washing their cars, warning that drought and reduced Des Moines and Raccoon river levels may prompt more water-use limits in the days ahead.[3]
And in the same month again, [when the same things happen in the same period, then we must start asking questions], the city of Longview in Southwest Washington announced a water shortage emergency, “due to a disruption in chlorine production” when “the Westlake chemical plant in Longview had a major electrical failure,” making the chemicals used to disinfect drinking water scare throughout the Northwest.[4]
This all points to governments imposing water restrictions soon to “save the water supply”. In Ireland, this has already started as I will explain further below.
Last year as well, Taiwan president asked residents “to prepare for water shortages as the island faces worst drought in 56 years”. The island had thus stepped up nationwide water restrictions and mobilized emergency water resources, including a desalination plant in Hsinchu County.[5]
This year, thousands of Haitians are facing water shortages after days of protests effectively halted distribution. An approaching storm was causing additional concern in the Caribbean country. Many Port-au-Prince residents were forced to seek refuge at home this week as gunfire erupted and burning tires blocked streets during protests over fuel price hikes and crime. Fears of tropical storm Fiona’s approach fueled the rush to get water.
The Mexican National Water Commission has formally declared a state of emergency due to worsening drought, as officials begin to restrict water usage. Residents are only permitted to use water for three hours per day, a desperate measure in the face of extreme heat.
[1] https://www.weau.com/2021/06/16/city-stanley-asking-residents-businesses-conserve-water/
[2] https://www.weau.com/2021/06/14/lake-hallie-issues-watering-ban-effective-monday/
[3] https://eu.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/agriculture/2021/06/14/iowa-drought-des-moines-water-works-lawn-watering-reduction/7683498002/
[4] https://www.opb.org/article/2021/06/21/chlorine-shortage-water-emergency-longview-washington/
[5] https://strangesounds.org/2021/03/taiwans-president-tells-residents-to-prepare-for-water-shortages-worst-drought-in-56-years.html