If there is one thing that the majority of people in the developed world take for granted, it is clean, safe drinking water. In fact, many people in the developed world cringe at the idea of "tap water" and spend their money on water bottles. Rather than fighting to stay hydrated, organizations in the U.S. and other major countries are fighting to reduce "water bottle waste," a crisis which is unheard of to almost one billion people around the world who do no have access to any safe drinking water. Here are just a few of the dire facts about access to water worldwide:

 

• 3.5 million people die each year from water-related disease.

 

• Diarrhea caused by drinking contaminated water remains a leading cause of illness and death among infants and children in the developing world.

 

• Every 15 seconds, a child dies from a water-related disease.

 

• Without food a person can live for weeks, but without water you can expect to live only a few days.

 

Although the global water crisis is nothing new, the good news is that because of several global awareness campaigns, more and more people are becoming acquainted with the facts about access to water. And just like with global warming, the key to solving this problem is knowledge.

 

In recent months, more and more companies have begun to campaign and advertise their efforts toward the global water crisis. I first came up with the idea for this blog post when watching the People's Choice Awards last week, when they announced that the first official cause that they would be supporting was Children's Safe Drinking Water. Since beginning in 2004, CSDW has provided 1.6 billion liters of clean drinking water, and they hope to increase that number to four billion by 2012.

 

All I (and I'm sure millions of other viewers) had to do was simply send a text message, and $10 was donated to the CSDW — helping to supply clean, safe water to dozens of children. Situations like this prove that we aren't helpless, even in the face of such pressing global matters. In this case, I didn't even need to get off of my couch.

 

The truth is, that we could all do a little more than simply sending a text message in order to help people all across the world avoid and overcome water-borne illness. So I decided to look up just a few more opportunities where ordinary people like you and me can make a real difference.

 

Water.org: This website not only provides valuable information about obtaining clean, safe drinking water for millions, but it also offers several ways for individuals to get involved. Actions like donating your Twitter status to spread awareness, or getting involved in the Haiti Challenge which seeks to bring safe water to 50,000 people in Haiti.

 

World Water Day: In 1992, the UN created World Water Day every March 22. It is a day set aside for governments and communities to start on the initiatives that the UN has recommended to solve the water crisis. Take part in a World Water Day event, or start one of your own.

 

Live Earth Run for Water: If you follow my blogs, you've heard me speak about this before. On April 18, cities around the world will host a 6K race, which is the average distance that many women and children have to travel daily just to have access to clean water.

 

One Drop Foundation: This organization, which abides by the mantra "water for all, all for water" seeks to fight poverty by providing access to water and educating communities through various forms of entertainment. Get involved or make a donation.

 

If none of these initiatives appeal to you, there are several things that you can do on your own in order to reduce water waste. Taking shorter showers, sealing leaky faucets, buying energy-efficient washers and — very simply — investing in a reusable water bottle (which also saves plastic) are just a few of the easy steps you can take toward alleviating the water crisis.