World Water Day

Let’s make this March 22nd a day about nature and water. Water is an essential part of life. It is more than just to quench thirst or for health, water is important for supporting economic, social and human development. This day is all about focussing on the importance of water. The theme for World Water Day 2018 is “Nature for Water” – exploring a nature-based solution to the water challenges we face in the 21 st century. The day also focuses on the importance of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. It is observed by people and organisations worldwide, including all UN-member states. It was first celebrated on March 22, 1993. This day is celebrated so that people around the world get inspired to learn and know more about water and its related issues which would add to water conservation, access to clean drinking water, water management, hygiene etc. This day also focuses on advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Sustainable Development Goal 6 commits the world to ensure that everyone has access to safe water by 2030, and it includes targets for protecting the natural environment and reducing pollution. 

Our earth surface is covered by 70% water, saline water in oceans, seas and saline groundwater make up about 97% of it. Only 2.5-2.75% is freshwater, including 1.75- 2% frozen in glaciers, ice and snow, 0.5-0.75% as fresh groundwater and soil moisture, and less than 0.01% of it as surface water in lakes, rivers and swamps. The harsh reality is that freshwater is the only source of water available for our use. It is a finite resource that is becoming scarce. Water is being constantly recycled by nature’s water cycle. It is a natural way of water replenishing. But people are using up the freshwater faster that it can be replenished. Moreover, our planet is getting hotter day by day. This warming climate is also drying up our lakes and rivers. This is resulting in water scarcity. Expanding population, pollution is adding to the crisis of water globally. The global crisis includes challenges such as – ‘water scarcity, water pollution, inadequate water supply, lack of sanitation and hygiene’ for billions of people particularly in developing countries. 

Today 2.1 billion people live without safe drinking water at home affecting their health, education and lifestyle. Water scarcity effect major areas of life including Health, Hunger, Education and Poverty. Lack of water or the quality of water causes huge sanitation issues. People are exposed to diseases like Cholera, typhoid fever and other water-borne diseases. Two million people, mostly children, die each year from diarrheal diseases. At current consumption rate, this situation will only get worse. By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortage. This is the time we all need to think about water conservation. Instead of wasting wastewater, we need to reuse it. Starting from our homes, we can reuse greywater on our gardens and plots. In cities, water used can be treated and reused in other activities. In industry and agriculture, water treated can be used for things like cooling systems and irrigation. By effective use of this resource, we will me make water cycle work better. This will also help in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 target to halve the proportion of untreated wastewater and increase water recycling and safe reuse. Organisations active in the WASH sector, including organisations such as UNICEF and WaterAid, use the day to raise public awareness, inspire actions for water issues. End Water Poverty, a global civil society coalition with 250 partner organisations worldwide, coordinates global events to commemorate World Water Day. WWF works with partners to advance the science of water conservation. World Water Day aims to raise awareness among the general public, about the global targets and their importance.