Marichen Rasmussen
Lecturer: Ms. Susan Muller
Public Speaking 1201
14 April 2014
Persuasive Speech Sentence Outline: Water Pollution
I. Introduction/Attention
a. Did you know that 36 states in the U.S.A. are facing water shortages?
b. Water pollution impacts ever facet of our lives, therefore I call on all of you to educate yourself on responsible water usage and actively partake in efforts to reduce water waste and water pollution.
c. Who here likes watermelon? Or how about a good steak, maybe even some salmon? What if I told you that all these foods need a good source? Without it…
d. Water pollution is something that we all take for granted, easily dismissing the issue, because water is literally everywhere. However, there is so much production and technological advancement that requires water at every step of the way. In turn, all this production pollutes and poisons our drinking water. This increases the cost of water sanitation for drinking and for use in our foodstuff.
Transition: It is expected that by 2050 the world’s population will increase to between 8- and 9 billion people, your kids are probably included in that number. Ask yourself what impact this may have on their lives.

II. Body
a. The earth is covered by about 70% water, but only 1% is available for humans to use. Worldwide, we have 1% available for farming, industry, domestic, commercial and environmental needs. Due to our unwise use of this 1% we are facing water shortages, polluted water, increased occurrence of illness and diseases, and extremely inflated prices of food, as well as, domestic and commercial goods.
i. As I mentioned earlier 36 states in the U.S.A. are facing water shortages. One example that I have personal experience with is Utah. My husband’s family owns a lot of land there, one of the biggest issues is water rights. It is possible for someone to own the water rights on a property, but the property itself—making it illegal to collect rainwater for use, even if it lands on your property. The impact this has on your life, is money, everything costs more. ii. 20% of America’s water treatment centres are violating the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The cost for these treatment facilities are simply too high to comply. Citizens therefore face an increased risk of disease and other pollutants getting in their system. Food sources may be compromised, cows, chicken, pigs all need water before they make their way to your plate.
Transition: You may wonder, “Hey, how do we fix this?”
b. Individuals and communities need to address this issue, and educate themselves on responsible water use.
i. I encourage you to educate yourself on water pollution and the effects thereof. (Quote the various ways, as per epa.gov and safe water program- refer to slides). ii. Take active steps in preventing or reducing water waste and pollution. There are numerous ways in which you can do this. Get involved in your community and educate others too. (Community programs and the personal examples- refer to slides.).

Transition-- This dire situation can only be changed with help from each and every one of you.

c. Imagine a world where you didn’t have to pay for rainwater due to water shortages, where watermelon, steak or salmon won’t be reserved for the rich, and people aren’t afraid to drink tap-water. If everyone took an active role in reducing water waste, water will become less of a financial burden and be an even richer natural resource to us.
i. The aim is to ensure everyone has access to clean water, without having to pay extreme costs, like paying for rainwater that falls on your property. ii. The question of whether food is safe to eat would virtually disappear.
Transition: Remember the impact of your actions. If Martin Luther King’s speech could change history, surely safeguarding our precious resource could do the same.

III. Conclusion/Action
a. I urge you to get involved and educate not only yourself, but friends and family too. Spread the word on responsible water use, check out The Water Project’s simple challenge.
b. If you want to keep enjoying that watermelon, steak or salmon; take action now.
c. Don’t just take my word, go educate yourselves on the effects of water waste and water pollution. Then get involved.
d. Don’t let your kids die of thirst!

Works Cited “Water Sense: An EPA Partnership Program”. American Environmental Protection Agency. 2013. www.epa.gov. Web

“Water.” National Resource Defense Council. www.nrdc.org 2014. Web

The Water Project. www.thewaterproject.org 2014. Web

“The U.S. Wastes 7 Billion Gallons of Drinking Water a Day: Can Innovation Help Solve This Problem?” Climate Progress. www.thinkprogress.org (2011). Web

“Water Conservation Tips and Facts.” Sunnyslope County Water District. www.sscwd.org Web.