Drops of Hope: Making Clean Water a Right for All

Imagine waking up one morning, turning on your faucet, and… nothing. Or worse, brown, foul-smelling liquid trickles out. For many Americans, this nightmare is their daily reality. From the lead-contaminated pipes of Flint, Michigan, to the failing water system of Jackson, Mississippi, communities across the nation are facing a silent crisis. But how did we get here, and more importantly, what can we do about it?

The Shocking Truth: Water Isn’t a Legal Right in the U.S.

In 2010, the United Nations made a groundbreaking declaration: access to clean water is a fundamental human right. It seems like common sense, doesn’t it? After all, water is essential for life. Yet, surprisingly, the United States didn’t support this idea. While 122 countries embraced this resolution, the U.S. chose to abstain.

This decision wasn’t just a diplomatic misstep—it has real-world consequences. In the years since, 39 countries have enshrined the right to water in their laws or constitutions. The U.S., however, has not. This lack of legal recognition means that when communities struggle to access clean, affordable water, they have little recourse under federal law.

The Ripple Effects: Why This Matters to You

You might be thinking, “But I have clean water at home. Why should I care?” The truth is, this issue affects us all, and often in ways we don’t immediately see:

1. Climate Change is turning up the Heat: As our planet warms, extreme weather events like droughts and floods are becoming more common. These events don’t just make the evening news—they directly impact our water supply and quality. And it’s not affecting everyone equally. Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color often bear the brunt of these changes.
2. Your Water Bill Might Be Draining Your Wallet: With more and more water systems being privatized, costs are skyrocketing. On average, households served by private water companies pay a staggering 59% more than those with public providers. This isn’t just an inconvenience—for many families, it’s forcing impossible choices between paying for water or other essentials.
3. It’s a Public Health Crisis Waiting to Happen: Clean water isn’t just about quenching thirst. It’s crucial for hygiene, cooking, and overall health. During a pandemic, the importance of hand-washing has never been clearer. But how can people follow public health guidelines without reliable access to clean water?
4. The Bigger Picture: A Symptom of Systemic Issues: The water crisis isn’t happening in isolation. It’s deeply intertwined with climate change, racial injustice, crumbling infrastructure, and economic inequality. By addressing water rights, we’re taking a step towards tackling these broader societal challenges.

Rays of Hope: Progress on the Horizon

While the situation might seem dire, there’s reason for optimism. Across the country, people are waking up to this issue and taking action:

1. Legislative Action: Representatives Cori Bush, Rashida Tlaib, and Jamaal Bowman have introduced a resolution in Congress to recognize the right to water. If passed, this resolution would:
   • End water shutoffs for those unable to pay
   • Keep water systems under public control
   • Create jobs in communities that need them most
   • Push for sustainable, clean energy solutions
   • Ensure water access for all, including unhoused individuals
2. State-Level Progress: Some states aren’t waiting for federal action:
   • California led the way in 2012, becoming the first state to recognize the human right to water. This has prompted new studies, regulations, and initiatives to ensure clean water for all Californians.
   • In 2021, New York took a bold step by adding the right to clean water to its state constitution. This provides a legal foundation for citizens to demand access to safe, affordable water.
3. Community Action: In Nassau County, New York, residents voted to replace a private water company with public authorities. This move put control of the water system back into community hands, prioritizing public interest over corporate profits.

Be the Change: What You Can Do

You don’t have to be a politician or activist to make a difference. Here are concrete steps you can take:

1. Educate Yourself: Start by learning about water issues in your area. Is your water publicly or privately managed? What’s its quality? Are there any ongoing concerns?
2. Raise Your Voice: Contact your local, state, and federal representatives. Let them know you support recognizing water as a human right. Your voice matters!
3. Support Water Justice Organizations: Many groups are fighting for clean, affordable water. Consider donating time or money to support their efforts.
4. Conserve and Protect: Use water wisely at home. Fix leaks, install water-efficient appliances, and avoid flushing harmful chemicals down the drain.
5. Spread the Word: Share what you’ve learned with friends, family, and on social media. The more people understand this issue, the more momentum we’ll have for change.
6. Attend Local Meetings: Your city or town likely has a water board or commission. Attend their meetings to stay informed and voice your concerns.
7. Support Infrastructure Improvements: When local initiatives to upgrade water systems come up for vote, support them. It might mean a slight increase in taxes, but it’s an investment in your community’s health and future.

The Bottom Line: Water is Life

Access to clean, safe water isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s not just about the convenience of turning on a tap. It’s about health, equality, and building a society that works for everyone. By recognizing water as a human right and taking action to ensure its availability, we’re not just solving a single problem. We’re laying the foundation for a more just, sustainable, and healthy future for all Americans.

Remember, every drop counts, and every voice matters. Together, we can turn the tide and ensure that clean, affordable water is a right, not a privilege, for every person in our nation.

–Tishya Sharma, Lawyer, Content Developer and Partnership Consultant with She Sight Global