Overview

About 76 million Indians don’t have regular access to clean drinking water, the most of any country in the world. But a new nationwide experiment aims to address the water crisis with “water ATMs,” machines that purify water on site and dispense it through prepaid card swipes, an idea that is gaining traction with the prime minister on down.

Videos

Discussion Questions

What problems can you identify in this story? Are solutions presented?
In what way might this story be relevant in your community?
About 76 million Indians don’t have regular access to clean drinking water, the most of any country in the world. How would irregular access to clean drinking water impact your life?
Why hasn’t water infrastructure development in India kept pace with population growth?

Writing Prompt (250 Words)

The water ATMs cost customers a fraction of the price of commercially bottled water, which most people here cannot afford. Should access to clean water be considered a right and distributed for no cost to the consumer? Why or why not?