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Roadblocks to securing safe, reliable water represent a serious worldwide threat. More than 1.1 billion people currently lack access to safe drinking water, while 2.6 billion live amidst inadequate environmental and water sanitation standards (including problems associated with inadequate sewage treatment). According to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, contaminated water kills more than 2 million children annually. Meanwhile, the World Bank reports that inadequate access to irrigation water and other related factors have led to food shortages that are affecting 925 million people around the world.Recognizing the global nature of safe and reliable water supplyToday, about 70% of the world’s water supply is used for agriculture, 20% for industrial uses, and 10% for consumer use. The water used for food production thus accounts for an extraordinarily high percentage of water use.However, dramatic growth in the world’s population has resulted in persistent food shortages. A key factor behind these shortages has been a lack of access to irrigation for agriculture. Unfortunately, ever greater pressure on the food supply and rising prices appear inevitable.Since Japan relies on imports for more than 60% of its food supply, this translates as a massive dependence on water sourced overseas. Water shortages and pollution overseas can thus lead directly to problems with Japan’s food supply.Securing the agricultural water needed for food production

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