Water Environment Federation Commemorates World Water Day 2006
Organization Supports National Walk for Water Event

Alexandria, VA – The Water Environment Federation (WEF) joins Water for People (WFP) and other leading corporate and non-profit organizations in commemorating World Water Day 2006 by supporting the national Walk for Water.

Sponsored by Starbucks and Ethos Water, the event will begin at noon Eastern in 11 major cities across the country. Five cents from the sale of each bottle of Ethos Water, which is owned by Starbucks, goes to support the company’s goal of donating $10 million over the next five years to nonprofit water organizations who are working to solve the world water crisis.

Designed to raise the profile of World Water Day, the event symbolizes the walk that women in water-stressed countries must make each day to provide water for their families. Its purpose is to call attention to the needs of more than 1.1 billion people – 20% of the world’s population - who currently lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation services.

“This image can seem a bit surreal to countries where occasional water interruptions and scarcities may occur, said WEF executive director Bill Bertera. “Walk for Water is a great opportunity to not only bring attention to this sobering issue but also reinforce the importance of working together to bring safe water and sanitation to everyone.” 

Local WFP communities in the participating cities, including WEF, have been working to spread the word and recruit participants. Those unable to participate are encouraged to sign up for a “virtual walk for water” to show support and unity. For a full list of participating cities and to register, visit www.worldwaterday2006.org. 

In 1992, the United Nations designated March 22 as World Water Day to inspire worldwide political and community action and encourage greater global understanding of the need for more responsible water use and conservation. This year’s theme, “Water and Culture”, draws attention to how cultural traditions, indigenous practices, and societal values determine how people perceive and manage water in different regions. For more information, visit www.worldwaterday.org.
      

About WEF
Founded in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization with members from varied disciplines who work toward the WEF vision of preservation and enhancement of the global water environment. The WEF network includes water quality professionals from 76 Member Associations in 30 countries. www.wef.org