The Global Importance of World Water Day

Every year on March 22, the world pauses to observe the importance of access to clean water and sanitation during World Water Day. The United Nations established World Water Day in order to raise awareness around the water scarcity crisis. The crisis has far-reaching implications, including negatively impacting health, local economies, access to education and sustainable agriculture.

Each year, the UN assigns a theme to World Water Day. In 2015, the theme was “Water and Sustainable Development”; last year, it was “Water and Jobs” (meaning that better the access to fresh water, the better the chance for good jobs). This year the theme is “Wastewater”. This is an important theme because sanitation is a major problem in a number of less developed countries. Proper treatment of wastewater can help reduce the incidence of disease as well as help open doors on sustainable supply.

The Water Crisis

Did you know that more people in the world have access to a mobile phone than have access to fresh water? According to water.org, 1 in 10 people don’t have access to fresh water and 1 in 3 doesn’t have access to a toilet.

These conditions are unacceptable when you consider the health problems that arise from this state. In 2015, the World Economic Forum named the scarcity of water globally the #1 risk to society (based on the potential of devastation). The good news is that there is a lot that you can do as an individual.

Water Conservation Begins at Home

Big change starts with small steps, which you can tackle on your own at home.
If you have a garbage disposal, consider reducing your use and composting your waste instead. When you cook pasta, reserve the water after you drain it and use it to water your plants. Wash your produce in a wash tub or a filled sink, rather than under a running tap.

Instead of watering your garden with a hose, collect water in a rain barrel and use a watering can. When washing your car, turn the hose off when you aren’t rinsing the soap off. Make sure that your sprinklers are aimed right at your lawn. There is no need to water the driveway!

Plumbing Suggestions to Save Water

If you don’t have them already, talk to your plumber about getting a low-flush toilet. They use significantly less water than regular toilets. While you are at it, put in low-flow shower heads. They still get the job done using a fraction of the water.

It’s important to stay on top of plumbing leaks of all kinds, because you’d be surprised at how much water is wasted leaking from a pipe or toilet. If you notice your water bills going up unexpectedly, that might be the problem. Call your plumber to check.

For great plumbing tips that can help you conserve water, call our team at (519)-836-6370 in Guelph, ON.