Newark Charter High School

Environmental Justice

Who has the right to breathe clean air and drink clean water? Everyone. Environmental justice is not just an issue for scientists or activists, it’s a fundamental human rights issue that affects us all. Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, yet many marginalized communities, particularly in low-income and minority areas, lack adequate access to safe, clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. However, some communities, particularly ones that have high-income wealthier residents have access to more resources than those of low income. The need to have clean and safe drinking water is a right deserved by all humans, not most, all. Unfortunately, some suffer the consequences of Environmental justice more than others. Water is a critical living necessity every human needs. However, many countries don’t realize the harm they are doing by using too much water. Many people don’t think twice about their role in water waste and its harmful effect on the environment. Fortunately, however, there are multiple ways people can come together to help spread awareness and put a stop to the consequence of Environmental justice. 

The United States has been known for the country’s water usage. The water usage of the United States was more than 138 trillion as of the year 2022. If this is a lot to take in, then think about China’s water usage and India’s water sausage, the two most populated countries. Groundwater is a critical source of water for many communities and ecosystems in the United States but overuse has caused damaging economic effects. For example, the Ogallala Aquifer in the Great Plains region has depleted by over 50% in some areas, leading to a decline in agricultural productivity and a great impact on the environment. High water usage has led to many consequences for the environment. High Water usage has led to water scarcity and competition for water resources among many people. For example, The Colorado River, which supplies water to 40 million people is facing increased demand. However, the river is not supplying enough water due to climate change and overuse. High water usage leads to pollution of water resources, particularly when wastewater is not treated properly affecting millions. Agriculture runoff can lead to the contamination of surface and groundwater with nutrients, pesticides, and other harmful pollutants, leading to harmful algal blooms, fish kills and other ecological impacts faced. Destruction of natural habitats that are critical for biodiversity and ecological function are also harmed by unnecessary high water usage. Drawing of wetlands for agriculture or urban development is done in the United States and no awareness has been raised. Leading to the loss of habitat for many animals and migratory birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. Many of my cousins have been affected by the health of our natural environment due to the overuse of water because storms had occurred in Texas and caused their water pipes to burst.

They realized the great importance of water and thought twice about their water usage.

The youth can take action and protect the environment individually, collectivity and raise awareness to further prevent the injustices in Delaware by first getting this issue out to people all over. Spreading information about the consequences of our actions on water usage will allow some to really consider their impacts and take into consideration what can be done on their part. The youth can form collective groups to raise awareness and the steps to conserve the water in Delaware and reach out to various groups out there that focus on water efficiency. Spreading more awareness about one of the most effective ways of conserving water is to increase efficacy in water use. The youth can inform the consequences of these water leaks by addressing the significance of leaks in pipes and faucets leading to a great amount of water loss. This can be done by spreading more information about the importance of regularly checking for leaks in anyone’s pipes and fixing them immediately to prevent any consequences. Outdoor water waste plays a big role in water consumption, when water is used particularly for landscaping and irrigation. Landscaping and irrigation companies are aware of the issue they cause but homeowners need to be informed on how they can reduce their outdoor water usage by installing drought-resistant plants, mulching, and using rainwater harvesting systems. It is more efficient to reach out to landscaping companies to notify them of the issue they cause and how they can work to slowly decrease their part but it is also as important to spread awareness to homeowners getting landscaping done by these companies. This can also be taught to a greater public audience by promoting public education on water conservation in schools to teach the students about their role and how they can help to conserve water. Implementing water-efficient practices can also be done by promoting public education in municipal buildings and facilities about efficient appliances and fixtures of water usage. Implementing water rights and allocations can greatly help prevent the issue of high water usage by ensuring that water is distributed fairly and sustainably among different users while making sure everyone’s environmental needs are met. Monitoring where the overuse and waste of water take place through methods such as metering and remote sensing can help identify and address the overuse and waste of water in public places, communities, and other places. One solution that is already being used in the United States to conserve water is by implementing water reuse and recycling. This reduces the amount of freshwater needed for various uses. This solution is already being done in the United States by implementing greywater systems that use treated waste water for non-potable uses like irrigation and flushing toilets. When more awareness is spread by the youth individuals and youth groups about the significance of water usage there will be a major change in the environment and ecosystem in Delaware. When the people begin to finally realize their part and their role in the high water usage they will come together with the youth and solve the issue. Eventually when the issue is resolved slowly but greatly Delaware will feel the change!

In all, Reducing the amount of water usage can have a significant benefit for the ecosystems in Delaware. Reduction in water usage can help to maintain healthy aquatic habitats and support biodiversity. By spreading awareness about the importance of water conservation among youth, individuals can encourage more responsible use of water and promote sustainable practices. This can help to preserve natural resources for future generations and reduce negative impacts on ecosystems because of people’s actions. Additionally, promoting water conservation can help to address issues such as water scarcity and pollution, which can have negative impacts on human health and well-being.

Works Cited

“Other Uses and Types of Water.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 

10 Aug. 2021, www.cdc.gov/healthywater/other/index.html#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20wate r%20uses,Industry%20and%20Commerce.  Accessed 28 Apr. 2023

“How We Use Water.” US EPA, 24 May 2022,   www.epa.gov/watersense/how-we-use-water. 

Accessed 29 Apr. 2023

“Statistics and Facts.” US EPA, 11 May 2022,  www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts. 

Accessed 28 Apr. 2023

“The Water Network.” The Water Network | by AquaSPE,  thewaternetwork.com/article-FfV/us-water-use-to-reach-138-trillion-gallons-in-2022-

LM0OIdIeO1D1AWqD6qBlzA

. Accessed 27 Apr. 2023