Can global control fix the water crisis?

The sixth annual World Water Forum meeting in Marseille, France, heard a proposal for establishing a global water fund under the control of the U.N.

During the meeting, a Philippine activist explained that privatization of water has worsened conditions in her country: “Since 1997, prices went up by 450 to 800 percent, and a year ago some 600 people died as a result of bacteria in the water because the private company didn’t do proper water checks.”  A representative of a major water company disagreed, “As far as I know, the water supply in Manila has improved very much.  Millions now have access to water that they didn’t have before…” (Deutsche Welle, March 18, 2012). 

Recent research predicts that by 2050, 1.4 billion people will live with insufficient water and sanitation.  Also, 3.9 billion people, more than 40% of the world’s population, are likely to live in river basins facing severe water stress (OCED.org March 7, 2012). 

Bible prophecies have long warned of a coming water crisis (Jeremiah 14:3-4) and that, if nations despise God, He will make “…your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze” (Leviticus 26:19). 

Trusting that our own efforts will deliver us from present and coming calamities will not work (Psalm 146:3).  However, at Christ’s return, He will restore the rivers and bring waters to dry lands (Isaiah 41:17-18; Ezekiel 47:1-10).