When is World Water Day?
March 22nd is World Water Day.
What is World Water Day?
Ice cream is sweet, and shade is nice too, but nothing beats a cool drink of water on a hot summer day. Water works for us in many other ways too though. On World Water Day, we promote the sustainable management of freshwater resources as we take time to reflect on the importance of water in our lives.
Water cleans our dishes and laundry. It waters our lawns, flushes our toilets, and keeps our hands clean. The ability to flush cuts and burns with sanitary water promotes healing and saves us from a myriad of infectious diseases.
Not everybody has access to these luxuries though. Damage to ecosystems affects the clean water available to local communities. Planting new forests and restoring wetlands can improve living conditions for people around the world, but it takes time, resources, and governments willing to work with water experts.
So the U.N. made a day for it. World Water Day supports our freshwater ecosystems by advocating for their protection.
Fun facts about World Water Day!
- Around the world, 80% of human wastewater flows untreated back into the ecosystem.
- More than 660 million people live without access to clean water close to home.
- Feces contaminate the drinking water of 1.8 billion people. More than 800,000 people die every year from unsafe water and poor sanitation.
- The average person in a developed country might use 25 to 65 gallons of water per day, not including agriculture and industry.
How to celebrate World Water Day:
- Find a lecture or exhibition on the importance of protecting our water resources.
- Attend an event that celebrates water, like a showcase at a wildlife center or a visual arts performance.
- Enjoy your local waterways. Take a kayak out on the bay, or take a picnic to the riverfront. See what animals you can spot while you’re there.
What’s the hashtag for World Water Day?
Celebrate water on social media by using #WorldWaterDay.