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Understanding Water Poverty: A Nonprofit Challenges You To Live On Four Liters

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How would your day be altered if  you were forced to live on four liters of water, the minimum necessary to survive, for 24 hours?

Human rights nonprofit, DIGDEEP, has issued their public education campaign, The 4 Liters Challenge, and it’s been making noise here in Los Angeles. With over 28 million social impressions and participants posting thousands of pictures on social media, the challenge is certainly resonating. Actress Alicia Silverstone and many millennial celebrities have also joined the efforts.

“People know we’re in the middle of one of the worst droughts in history, but it doesn't feel real to most of us.” explains DIGDEEP founder and executive director, George McGraw. He continues, “There has never been a better time to learn why water matters and how to protect it. Even without a drought, the USGS estimates we'll run a deficit in the Colorado River by 2060 the size of the annual consumption of LA.”

The 4 Liters Challenge participants share their experience via social media. (Credit: DIGDEEP)

The Challenge

McGraw wants to give Americans the opportunity to experience water poverty for the very first time. According to stats provided by DIGDEEP, Americans are using more water per capita than any other country at an estimated 105 gallons (400 liters) per day. Meanwhile, 800 million people are living in water poverty worldwide. In addition, most people don’t realize that there are still water poverty issues occurring within the U.S. as well. Thirteen percent of Native Americans are without tap water or a toilet, including 40% of the Navajo with whom DIGDEEP is currently working alongside.

The 24 hour challenge of living on only four liters of water is the absolute basic necessity for a person to live on. It’s essentially enough to drink and wash hands, but from my own personal experience, that’s about it. By helping Americans understand the value of water, McGraw hopes that people will  gain a new appreciation for water use & then begin to use & protect their resources going forward.

800 million people do not have access to enough clean water. (Credit: DIGDEEP)

The 4 Liters Challenge couldn't come at a better time for Californians, as the State continues to suffer through an historic drought with no end in sight. LA Mayor Eric Garcetti recently set a goal to reduce city water use by 20%. Utilizing the hashtag “#DroughtHack,” the Mayor’s office is providing 10 steps to reduce your water usage.

Perhaps LA's first family accepting The 4 Liters Challenge would compliment their existing efforts?

Visit The 4 Liters Challenge website for more information and to get involved. Also, share your stories & strategies for reducing consumption in the comments section below.

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