This document discusses the global issues associated with lack of access to safe drinking water. It notes that 2.2 million people, mostly children, die every year from water-related diseases. Half of the world's hospital beds are occupied by people suffering from these illnesses. Developing countries experience 80% of their diseases from contaminated water. While developed nations like the US treat their water with filters and chemicals to remove germs and minerals, many other places lack these systems. Boiling water is presented as an effective way to make it safer to drink in any location.