World Water Day – March 22

The majority of people in the UK are fortunate enough to turn the tap on and get clean water. The UN created World Water Day to remind people that water is a finite resource and that many people around the world still do not have access to clean water.

International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development

According to the WHO and the UN, water scarcity already affects four out of ten people and around 2.1 billion people lack access to safely managed water sources. 2018-2028 is the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development during which the UN aims to promote more efficient use of water in all sectors. The #EveryDropCounts movement highlights the need for us all to be aware of our water consumption and encourages us to think about how we can cut it back. In the UK there has been an increase in government policies regarding more sustainable environmental practices, including water management, but there is still much to do. 

Access to Water

Charity: water estimates that 785 million people around the world live without access to clean water. Lack of drinkable water is one of the causes of disease in developing countries and a catalyst for gender and education inequality. In many countries, it is the role of women and girls to supply their families with water, often walking hours on end to bring water back home. Improving access to water is an important step in the fight against poverty and gender inequality. 

How to Get Involved

Challenge yourself on World Water Day to be more aware of the products you use that have a large water footprint and commit to buying less of them. Have a look at this website where you can see which foods have the highest water footprints. Sadly, many events around the world had to be cancelled to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, there are other ways to get involved. You can donate to a non-profit organisation such as Charity: water or WaterAid UK or find some online events to attend that will give more information about the current water crisis. 

World Water Day and Coronavirus

Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds is one of the best preventive measures against COVID-19. So stay healthy on World Water Day 2021 and keep your hands clean – just remember to turn off the tap!

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