Iraq's Water Woes

(CBS)  It's illegal, to say nothing of unhealthy — but for tens of thousands of Iraqis displaced by sectarian violence, tapping into a main line is the only access to water of any kind.

According to U.N. figures, barely one in three Iraqis have access to clean drinking water.

Waterborne diseases like diarrhea — the most prolific killer of children under 5 — are on the increase. In some areas, it's up as much as 70 percent over last year.

Providing essential services is a cornerstone of American military counter-insurgency strategy.

The U.S. has spent $1.5 billion dollars on water projects since the invasion four years ago. Another half a billion has been budgeted for this year and it all adds up to the proverbial "drop in a bucket."

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Reporter's Notebook: A Drop Of Good News In Iraq

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It took U.S. and Iraqi engineers 10 months to refurbish one pumping station to provide 10,000 people with clean water.

Security permitting, the officer in charge aims to increase that by a factor of five.

"Once we reach that goal, we will be able to supply water for approximately 20 percent of the local area full time," says Cmdr. Steve Frost, of the U.S. Navy Seabees.

For the other 80 percent who often have to walk miles to bring home a bucket of water, that means more than most people can imagine.

"We had one Iraqi lady who came up to us, gave us a hug and shook our hands and said 'Thank you' because it was the first time they've ever had potable water running in their house," Frost said.

The problem is so dire that after a three-year break, the U.N. has resumed trucking water to cut-off areas. It's a costly and dangerous way to fill cooking pots and give a few kids a welcome shower.

Locally made ice is the only way many families have to cool food.
The plants claim they use clean water. But at one plant, before it becomes ice, the water provides a cold shower for the men who run it.

After that, well, it becomes whatever is needed to beat the 110 degree Fahrenheit heat in a place where clean water is as much a dream as peace.

[kiwimata]

Ok Lets leave this Topic and think about the F**kin American soldiers sent Bush administration to bully and kill Iraqi Kids.They raped a 15 year old and killed their family shooting them in their Head, bloody Barbarians.This Western country is full of ***, I ask them where is the civilisation now, huh.
They went to fix Iraq and the poor civilians there but hey they are the ones who tore clothes and rape women and especially litles girls when no one is watching, I wish they all go to hell for what they did with this poor girl and their family.I can't believe when killing an Iraqi kid how come George Bush and his Heartless soldiers did not see in them their own sisters and Brothers, their own daughters and sons. More than 80000 Iraqi children have been killed so far, is that enough I guess not - bloody vampires.

[middleman8]

Ya, sure the US has spent $1.5 on Iraq water situation.
Ya sure the us has spent $500 billion destroying
Iraq water services. PLEASE DON'T USE PROPAGANDa TO COVER UP THE HELLISH THINGS THE UNITED STATES HAS DONE TO AND INNOCENT HELPLESS PEOPLE.

[feelfree1]

Yet again, the inescapable fact remains...

...GodFuxBush!!!

[huanaco]

REGARDING THE WATER ISSUE I AM SURPRISED , THE ONLY COMMENT IN THIS BLOG IS MINE. THIS SHOWS THAT PEOPLE IN AMERICA DON,T GIVE A *** ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN IRAQ . I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MY FELLOW COUNTRYMEN DRAGGING BUCKETS FROM THE NEAR RIVER OR WELL , THEN THEY WOULD UNDERSTAND.

[huanaco]

A GOOD GUESS IS THAT PEOPLE IN IRAQ ARE REMEMBERING THE GOOD TIMES UNDER HUSSEIN. THE TASTE FOR DEMOCRACY BROUGHT BY MR. BUSH AND CO. IS GONE WITH EVERY BUCKET OF WATER DRAG FROM FAR AWAY. IMPEACH THE SUCKER.