Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. potable (adj.) [poh-tuh-buhl] – safe for drinking
Example: A new device was
invented to make rainwater clean and potable.
2. tap (n.) [tap] – a device used to control the flow of liquid
from a source
Example: She put a glass under
the tap to get some water.
3. pump (v.) [puhmp] – to deliver or pour water with pressure
Example: The government
installed pipes that will pump water
to different parts of the city.
4. industrialization
(n.) [in-duhs-tree-uh-luh-zey-shuhn] – the development of factories and businesses in an area
Example: Experts believe greater
industrialization will attract
foreign investors.
5. deplete (v.) [dih-pleet] – to have a large decrease in amount; to use up
Example: The country’s food
supply was depleted last year because
strong storms destroyed crops.
Article
Read the text below.
Article
Read the text below.
With water shortage currently happening in India, residents are struggling to get clean and potable water.
People living in
neighborhoods just outside New Delhi get their water from a tap turned on by the government three
times a day. They have no pipes that pump
water directly into their houses.
When the tap is
open, people line up to fill their buckets and bottles. They also let their
children take a shower in the flowing water. However, health and cleanliness is
a big problem because the water comes from a tap near garbage and green algae.
People who drink this water even get sick several times a month.
A few people have
tried pumping their own water from the ground, but these pumps are considered
illegal.
Some people have
made a business from selling clean water. Prakash Sahoo rides his bicycle
around the neighborhood selling water for 10 rupees (¥14) per container. However,
many people in the community cannot even afford the service.
New Delhi itself is
relying on nearby states for water, but these states are experiencing water
shortages as well. In some areas, delivery by trucks three times a week is the
only way to get water.
According
to Indian authorities, fast growth of cities, industrialization and the increasing population have continuously
depleted ground water in India. Moreover, only
4% of India’s water resources are renewable, despite 18% of the world’s
population living there.
To
try to solve the problem, India is developing a national river conservation
plan to clean pollution in rivers.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Why do you think some people are not able to protect
their water resources? Do you think culture and discipline are reasons?
·
How can people better protect or care for water
resources?
Discussion B
·
How do you ensure that the water you drink is
clean?
·
What do you think the government should do so
that everyone can get clean water?