FOR LACK OF WATER, I'M SO DRY, I CAN'T SPIT

"Water is essential for all dimensions of life. Over the past few decades, use of water has increased, and in many places water availability is falling to crisis levels. More than eighty countries, with forty percent of the world's population, are already facing water shortages, while in this century the world's population will double. The costs of water infrastructure have risen dramatically. The quality of water in rivers and underground has deteriorated, due to pollution by waste and contaminants from cities, industry and agriculture. Ecosystems are being destroyed, sometimes permanently. Over one billion people lack safe water, and three billion lack sanitation; eighty per cent of infectious diseases are waterborne, killing millions of children each year."

World Bank Institute

We owe our children, and theirs a sustainable future.

We owe our planet-home reasonable and responsible behavior that complies with the laws of nature. As the most prolific species on earth, are we facing our realities?

First question: what provides the most important aspect of human existence? Answer: clean water!

The latest warning signs manifested at Lake Lanier, Georgia in November 2007. If ever a wake-up call, the vanishing waters of the lake portend water shortages for five million people-today. Nonetheless, the Peach State expects to grow from nine million people in 2007 to 16.4 million by 2050. Hello! Knock, knock! Anybody at home?

Charles Gibson, anchor for ABC World News Tonight, February 8, 2008, said, "Scientists say Lake Mead, which provides water for millions in the west, expects to go dry by 2023. It's caused by drought, climate change and human population growth."

On February 21, 2008, anchor Brian Williams at NBC reported that Georgia legislators wanted to extend that state's northern border two miles north in order to annex the Tennessee River. That would allow them to stick a big pipe into a new water source.

Colorado State University professor Neil S. Grigg wrote in the Denver Post, "Not a Drop to Spare", February 17, 2008, said, "Colorado's water supplies are nearing their limits, and there is little hope for new sources. What's next?"

None of those experts reported that Georgia's current population of 8.5 million would double to 16.4 million in four decades. Colorado's expects

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