Michigan Radio reporter Lester Graham spoke to a group of students and faculty members at Coleman Hall Wednesday about the global shortage of water.

Graham, an investigative reporter, said if people do not take the precautionary measures now, water shortage could become a serious problem in United States.

“Water is the oil of the 21st century,” Graham said.

When Graham worked in radio in Illinois, he said that he saw bad shortages here in the Land of Lincoln.

“I was here in Illinois for 20 years, and I saw a number of really bad droughts,” Graham said. “I mean to the point where crops didn’t grow; farmer’s livestock died due to a lack of drinkable water.”

Graham said he partially blames water shortages on the fact that a lot of people have a false sense of security when it comes to the supply of water.

Graham also hinted at the fact that it might have to do something with cultural differences.

“Northern Europe seems to be taking water consumption very seriously,” Graham said. “In places like Finland, Sweden and Norway they seem to be ahead of the curve, and their cultural attitude is ‘don’t use more (water) then is necessary.’”

While Graham laid all these facts on the table, he also made the point that there are several things that society can do to save water.

“If you strain pasta through a colander, don’t throw that water down the drain. Take it and use it to water the plants,” Graham said.

Graham said that the wasting of water is not the only problem, but citizens flushing pharmaceuticals down the toilet has also emerged as a problem.

“An Associated Press investigation found trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in the drinking water of over 40 million Americans,” Graham said.

Graham said that something as simple as not letting the faucet run when people shave or brush their teeth can save a sizeable amount of water.

Graham cited more water-efficient showerheads as something that could save water and a lot of money on your utility bill.

“When your using an old showerhead, you are not just wasting water, but hot water,” Graham said. “The showerhead uses the most energy out of anything in your house.”

Graham said people often overlook the issue of the supply of water in the world.

“I firmly believe the shortage of clean drinkable water around the world is the single most important issue we will face,” Graham said.

Graham works for Michigan Radio, a part of National Public Radio, and has won more than 100 awards at the state, regional, national and international level for journalistic excellence.

Michael Wolbers can be reached at 581-2812 or mgwolbers@eiu.edu.