Things are finally starting to cool down after a hot summer, but more than half of the U.S. is still in the chokehold of a severe drought, and having enough drinking water is still a concern for many Americans.
A recent survey conducted for the Civil Society Institute found that nationwide, nearly two thirds (64%) of Americans are “very concerned” about the prospect of “possible shortages of safe drinking water” due to drought and diversion for energy production. This issue is topped nationally only by concerns about higher food prices (66%), and is trailed by higher gasoline prices (61%) and higher utility bills (49%). Eighty-five percent of Americans say that the availability of ample clean water should be a top national priority for the U.S.
Numbers like these should make politicians—federal, state and local—sit up and take notice. Water is an issue that affects everyone, and it should not become of national importance only during times of scarcity.
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