There are divergent opinions as to whether fresh water can be used without restriction or regulated by the government on the grounds that it is a finite resource. Although both schools of thought hold merit, I find myself in full accord with the latter viewpoint for some reasons that will be expounded on in this essay.
On the one hand, the opponents of the former point of view provide plausible reasons for their stance. It is true that fresh water is a prerequisite of many human activities ranging from domestic and agricultural usage to economic practices,so that the economic and societal growth is likely to be hindered if the amount of freshwater that each person can use is strictly controlled by the government. For example, agricultural industry is known as one the the most water-consumed sectors, as it is necessary that paddy fields and plantations be watered on a daily basis, so that produce and fruit can be fully grown, meeting the requirement of the domestic and international markets. However, if the legislation about the limitation of water is imposed, agricultural practices can be badly affected, resulting in a slump in farmers’ income and disruption in supply chain. What is more, having access to fresh water is one of the fundamental humans’ rights, so it can be a breach of the basic human right, if water is of limited use. As a result, the seeds of discontent, which is one of the undesirable scenarios that world leaders do not wish to encounter, can be nurtured as the legislation is put into place.
On the other hand, although it is undeniable that water naturally exists, overconsumption can lead to many financial burdens and natural disasters. Despite its existence in nature, water cannot be used immediately because it is often contaminated by chemicals in soil and humans’ economic practices. In an endeavour to sustain the overall well-being of people in society, water needs being purifying by filtering-water systems which can cost a huge expenditure to function and maintain. As a result, using freshwater without any restrictions can cause a lot of water waste, which exerts a severe financial pressure on the national budget to use and preserve those systems with the aim of ensuring the adequate amount of water to be supplied to citizens. Moreover, overexploitation of water can also spark some concerns over environmental issues. Indeed, There are some regions in the world facing a shortage of freshwater, which is a result of climate change and overexploitation. Not only do they have to cope with drought, but they also need to face a more serious problem, which is salt-contamination. Take Ca Mau city in Vietnam as a striking example of the consequence of overconsumption of freshwater leading to drought during summer seasons. Ca Mau city used to be fertilised land which was at the forefront of the agricultural industry of Vietnam; however, this city is dealing with drought and the fact that many fertilized lands have become salty, negatively affecting this city’s economic growth which is solely reliant on agriculture. Consequently, if the government regulates the amount of water, they can ensure the consistent supply of water across their country and the contribution in environmental protection.
In conclusion, despite the clash of opinions about whether or not the government should control the water usage of people, I strongly believe that not only can the governmental restrictions on water lead to a sustainable society and economy, but it can also alleviate concerns regarding environmental issues.