World Water Day became a UN observance day in 1993. It seeks to focus attention on the global water crisis. On 22nd March every year, people and organizations mark World Water Day by taking action to tackle the water crisis.
World Water Day 2021 will focus on the theme, Valuing Water. This focus will extend beyond issues of pricing to include the environmental, social and cultural value people place on water.
The idea for this international day goes back to 1992, the year in which the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro took place. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by which 22nd March each year was declared World Water Day for Water to raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water and taking action to tackle the global water crisis.
A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6:
Water and sanitation for all by 2030.
A variety of events will take place to advocate the sustainable management of freshwater resources. These are usually educational, musical or theatrical. The UN also uses this day to highlight the importance of water usage and the effects it can have on climate change. The campaign shows how our use of water can help reduce floods, droughts, scarcity and pollution and how it can help fight climate change itself.
By adapting to the water effects of climate change, the UN believes that we can protect health and save lives and by using water more efficiently, we can all help to reduce greenhouse gases.
In daily life, water can mean health, hygiene, dignity and productivity.
In cultural, religious and spiritual places, water can mean a connection with creation or community.
In natural spaces, water can mean peace, harmony and preservation.
Today, water is under extreme threat from a growing population, increasing demands of agriculture and industry and the worsening impacts of climate change.
Ways to be more water efficient:
Spend less time in the shower.
Turn tap off when brushing teeth and soaping hands whilst cleaning hands.
Use shower water to flush the toilet.
Only use washing machine or dish washer when full.
When using the kettle only put enough water in for immediate use.
Choose a plant-based meal.
Use water that has been used for cooking to water plants.
Collect rain water for your gardens – have water butts to collect water from guttering.
Use a watering can rather than hose.
Check that you have no dripping taps.