Water is essential for all aspects of life, and everyone, from babies to seniors, utilizes water not just for drinking but for many of life's important moments. And who better to understand this than those who are learning about the history, science, and reasons behind many types of water crises? Youths are very powerful as they can use what they know to not only spread awareness among other youths, but also help spread awareness to other citizens as well. Social media is a powerful tool that is heavily influenced by and known to the youth. From mentions of the most vulnerable places to the most vulnerable people, there can be the implementation of policies and projects pushed by the Youth.
Hidden parts of water: Tap water in one place might be safe, but not considered safe elsewhere. The Environmental Protection Agency standard has, to some extent, limited the use of certain toxins in water, but not necessarily enough. Not being able to enforce the limits strictly led to more findings of lead and other toxins being detected in the water. Due to this, there have been the Flint water crisis, the Jackson water crisis, and more. There is no awareness, especially for people who don't usually keep up with their filtration systems or where they are located. Some might be placed between the industrial and factory settings, which pollute their nearest water supply. Unknowingly, especially the elderly, don't have a way of knowing or keeping up. Here is where the youth can step in and potentially create safety posters, maps of cleaner water supplies, and any hazards nearby that might affect their drinking water supply.
Even if there is a filtration problem, a leaking problem, or an unsafe water problem, there still needs to be so much research done in order to make the right call. If the filter needs to be changed, people need to look at the budget, and even if some have the budget, what about the different types of filters? What is needed or works the best for each house, and what isn't needed or won't work? Youth can help put up information about how certain faucets and filters work in what ways, limiting confusion for older adults and the elderly. In addition, having youth participate in this will make them more aware of the potential issues that could be more thoroughly researched. Then there can be posters, even digital ones that can be mailed, taped to a wall, to give a general direction, with resources. Many aren't aware of where and what to send to get their water quality tested in the first place. Using services provided by the EPA or testing it in a lab online, for example, are services that people aren't aware of. And the youth can help in making that even a little more accessible.
Help from the Youth: With so much information available, it can sometimes be a bit much to process. We have many organizations, programs, and events that provide information on local water supplies for the locals, but some have language barriers, some can't quite read very well, or some people might have a hard time putting together pieces of information. For times like this, having youths translate certain water guidelines or services can assist them even more. Multiple cities don't have safe drinking water and are vulnerable to diseases and toxins that come off their tap, but might not have the money or budget to fix it effectively. With communities such as the Environmental Justice community, they are spreading awareness on hazardous places near such water supplies to warn residents of potential harm. The youth need to be more involved in this and learn how to participate similarly, as those running such programs need to be run more in the future, too.
Youth-led projects: To combat such water inequalities and water safety issues, there are many projects combating such water challenges. This brings together the youth for community-related programs, which have them work together to help citizens understand the steps. Main steps for water safety awareness like testing water, sharing the results, and protecting if needed. EarthEco is a program with 100 youths working with different patterns everywhere. Partners such as the Environmental Science Center, Pacific Marine Research, Youth Service America, and more.
Students and youths around the world can help improve water quality where they live by spreading awareness, taking part in local projects, and researching their city's water and health guidelines. Student groups can also educate people on how to get help for better water, how to check, and where to find the best filters for their homes. Knowing that not everyone can access information equally, it's important for those students and youths to implement it in their local communities to begin with.