Introduction: Picture this absurd reality. A “supreme” court justice, who is also a multi-millionaire, sits in a fancy D.C. building surrounded by numerous perks and conveniences. One of those perks is the unnoticed water fountain in the hallway. Also, almost without thinking, this justice has the convenience of being able to order water from their service staff at any given time throughout the day.
The Decision: In a 5-4 vote last Thursday, June 15, 2023, the “supreme” court held in a historic decision that the United States owes no “affirmative duty” to our great Diné Nation to secure water, reversing a previous decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.
Here are some water facts:
1. 71 percent of Mother Earth is water.
2. 97 percent of water is in the oceans. This water is too salty for drinking, growing crops, and most industrial uses, except cooling.
3. 3 percent of water on Mother Earth is fresh.
4. The demand for water for manufacturing is expected to increase by 400 percent by 2050.
5. According to the World Resource Institute, drought already affected 40 percent of the world’s population in 2020.
6. In one year, American residents use over 100,00 gallons indoors and outdoors.
7. Here’ the mind boggler – “There will be no water by 2040 if we keep doing what we are doing,” according to sciencedaily.com.
