The survival of mankind requires WATER centers & Water Quality and Quantity Index (WQQI)

Abstract

Abstract Issue By 2025, half of the world's population will be living in water-stressed areas. Managing water quality and quantity is a worldwide concern that will require investing in WATER Centers and monitoring systems to improve the safety of drinking water and contribute to water conservation worldwide. Without reliable water policy climate change will threaten human survival. Problem There is no single measure that can describe overall water quality for any one body of water, let alone at a global level. Seven assessment methods used to measure water quality either on a national or global level, were reviewed and indexed. This index was examined and compared by objective, use, distribution and global location. Water centers need to review community water process, outcomes and outputs and also provide user populations with a Water Quality and Water Quantity Index (WQQI). Results United Nations Environment Programme UNEP research has revealed that “although there is no globally accepted composite index of water quality, some countries and regions have used, or are using, aggregated water quality data in the development of water quality indices.” 'Most water quality indices rely on normalizing, or standardizing data by parameter according to expected concentrations and some interpretation of 'good' versus 'bad' concentrations”. Lessons The survival of the human population requires policy changes regarding water management. The feedback humans need to survive can best be described as a Water Quality and Quantity Index (WQQI). With the growing scarcity of drinking water worldwide, proactive strategic thinking and planning is necessary. Message: Investing in WATER Centers ensures that the public health and economic benefits for all things related to water is optimized. The WQQI could also be useful in longitudinal and cross-sectional epidemiological studies. Key messages The survival of the human population requires policy changes regarding water management. Mankind needs real-time feedback about water quality to respond to threats to the water supply.