World Water Day 2023 is about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis

Author: Shari Dalal

Water is the essential liquid to all life. Wherever there is water, life exists. Water makes up 70% of the human body. Water on other planets is a sign of extraterrestrial life. Life can live without food longer than it can survive without water. Water shapes our lives more than anything, it allows us to live, shapes the planet by erosion, glaciers carve out valleys, and water does so much more. Yet with this essential liquid, less than 3% of freshwater is available for use, and over 97% is salt water. About ⅔ of freshwater is locked in glaciers alone. 

With this disparity in available water, it’s clear that actions must be taken, so everyone has clean drinking water. In 2015, the world committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 as part of the 2030 Agenda – the promise that everyone would have safely managed water and sanitation by 2030.  

The following data showcase the gravity of the water crisis. ¼ of the world’s population lacks safe water, 50% lack safe sanitation, 1.4 million people die annually, and 74 million people will have their lives shortened by diseases related to poor water, sanitation, and hygiene, and globally, 44 percent of household wastewater is not safely treated. These are alarming statistics and are evidence that clean water access has to take place now. 

Measures are being implemented worldwide for access to clean water. For example, standpipes were placed in the Buhene region of the Democratic Republic of Congo as almost ½ of the village was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. In Chennai, India, extreme weather conditions have been experienced, and in 2019 the city reached “day zero,” in which the reservoirs had run dry. In response, Chennai mandated rainwater harvesting and became the first city in India to reuse 10 percent of collected wastewater, with plans to achieve a reuse rate of 75 percent. 

A large part contributing to water shortage is climate change. Climate change is responsible for creating extreme weather conditions, from drought to severe floods. The large driving factor to climate change is factory farming, which clears land for animal production, which in turn emits greenhouse gasses, further degrading the planet. 

A large part as to why there is a water crisis is because developed countries have taken water for granted. Developed countries are finally awakening to the harsh realities of water plight, largely exacerbated by the recent drastic weather from severe floods to drought. 

Education will help spread the word and enable actions needed to achieve water conservation. In order for water conservation to be successful, several parameters for water education must be outlined. Communication as to why water is valuable, how we can best utilize the water we already have, what are the repercussions of water wastage, how climate change is a hindrance to water conservation, and proper storage of available water will allow the health of the future of the planet and all its beings to be more robust. It is critical that water storage will be better served through the collective action of several groups than individuals. Successful water storage is achieved by utilizing several entities with a ‘range of economic sectors and stakeholders backed by investment.’ With this comprehensive consideration of natural, built, and hybrid storage options, future generations can have an opportunity for a better life. 

Here Are Examples of What You Can Do Now To Conserve Water 

• Turn off the taps
• Fix leaks 
• Take shorter showers 
• Time water gardening
• Save up your dirty laundry
• Reduce food waste 
• Eat seasonal foods 
• Boil what you need 
• Steam your veggies 
• Be plumbing prepared 
• Catch rainwater 
• Low flush toilet 
• Fill up the dishwasher completely 

The UN showcased the beautiful message of how we all can play a part in helping conserve water through the story of a mighty hummingbird. 

One day in the forest, a fire broke out.

All the animals ran for their lives.

They stood at the edge of the blaze, looking at the flames in terror and sadness.

Up above their heads, a hummingbird was flying back and forth to the fire, over and over again.

The bigger animals asked the hummingbird what she was doing.

“I am flying to the lake to get water to help put out the fire.”

The animals laughed at her and said, “You can’t put out this fire!”

The hummingbird replied, “I’m doing what I can.”’

THE HUMMINGBIRD IS HELPING SOLVE THE PROBLEM, ONE DROP AT A TIME.

SHE IS BEING THE CHANGE SHE WANTS TO SEE IN THE WORLD.

YOU CAN BE A HUMMINGBIRD, TOO.

THE ACTIONS YOU TAKE, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, WILL HELP SOLVE THE WATER CRISIS.

Show what actions you will be taking to conserve water, and be like this mighty hummingbird. Use #worldwaterday and #worldstodolist and be the change you want to see in this world. Together we can save water, one drop at a time. 

References:

 https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day

https://www.unwater.org/bethechange/

https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water

https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/water/what-is-water#:~:text=All%20living%20things%2C%20from%20tiny,almost%20no%20water%20at%20all.

https://blogs.worldbank.org/water/rethinking-wastewater-chennais-journey-towards-water-security

https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sustainable-living/13-best-ways-save-water

https://blogs.worldbank.org/voices/meet-climate-crisis-head-our-approach-water-storage-must-change