Water sustains us, our bodies, our food, our planet. The world is abundant with water, oceans rivers and lakes take up 71% of earth’s surface. Nonetheless, only 0.5% of all the world’s water resources are drinkable and accessible. A Changing climate, and over use of groundwater mean that our water resources are quickly depleting. World water day highlights this crisis and supports sustainable use and conservation of our water resources.
Introduction to World Water Day
World Water Day started in 1993 as a way to bring attention to the world’s water crisis. On march 22nd every year we focus on this important issue. The United Nations created the initiative to promote the sustainable management of freshwater resources. It encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to take action to conserve water. That is to say, it is an opportunity to recognize the importance of our water resources and to take steps to protect them.
Also, the United Nations encourages countries to use World Water Day as a platform to launch new initiatives and develop educational campaigns. The goal is to raise awareness of how water is used, why it needs to be conserved, and how it can be managed in a sustainable way. World Water Day is an opportunity to recognize our shared responsibility for protecting and preserving our most precious resource.
So in honour of World Water Day take a few minutes to learn about the power of water conservation!
Why Water Conservation Matters
One in ten people lack access to clean drinking water. According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are currently 1.1 million people without access to clean water and over 2 billion people without access to adequate sanitation. It may not be you, or someone you know, but everyone deserves access to clean and safe drinking water. Moreover, it could end up being you, one article states that some areas of England may run out of water in less than 20 years. Our water resources are constantly changing. Oil spills, damn leakage and other factors mean that overuse of water reserves could lead to a shortage within our lifetime. It is estimated that by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population could be facing water scarcity.
Moreover, Water conservation is important for protecting our environment. Freshwater ecosystems are fragile and vulnerable to pollution and degradation. Overuse and mismanagement of water can lead to water shortages, loss of biodiversity, and degraded water quality. Conserving water is essential for preserving freshwater ecosystems and for maintaining the delicate balance of our planet’s water cycle.
According to the United Nations, global water use efficiency has increased 15 percent in the industrial sector. In addition, there has been an increase in the number of countries that have adopted water conservation policies. This is a positive sign that we are moving in the right direction and that water conservation is having an impact. Nonetheless, we still have a lot of work to do.
Water Conservation: Some tips on how to do it
Water conservation is everyone’s responsibility, and there are many small steps that we can all take to do our part. Here are a few simple steps that you can take to conserve water:
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or washing your hands.
- Take shorter showers.
- Fix any leaky taps, pipes, or toilets.
- Install a low-flow showerhead.
- Use a bucket or bowl to catch water from running taps or showers and use it for other purposes such as watering plants or cleaning.
- Wash full loads of dishes and clothes.
- Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle when washing your car or watering your garden.
Applying a few of these practices to your day to day life will not only ensure the conservation of our water resources, but it may also reduce your water bill!
How to Get Involved in World Water Day
- Educate yourself and others about the importance of water conservation.
- Spread the word and share information about World Water Day and water conservation.
- Take part in a local World Water Day event or campaign: British Water has an abundance of events offered virtually in the UK that you can attend to learn more about water issues.
- Donate to a local water conservation organization or charity: There are many ways to support water conservation through donations. You can donate directly to charities and organizations that focus on sustainable water use and conservation, or you can donate more generally to charities that focus on climate change. Here are a few charities currently active on Givey that support water conservation and environmental sustainability:
- Advocate for better water policies and improved water management. Do some research into how water is managed in your local community, and what your local representatives are doing about water conservation. If you don’t see that water conservation is prioritized, reach out to other community members and start advocating for change.
As stated by the UN on the World Water Day page, “water affects everyone, so we need everyone to take action“.