March 22nd marks World Water Day and the Water Environment Federation (WEF), a UN-Water Partner is committed to engaging the water community in this public education effort.
As an organization, WEF is dedicated to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation. SDG 6 calls for universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation and the end of open defecation by 2030. WEF, its members and strategic partners, work to educate, build community, and communicate the importance of protecting water sources.
The theme of World Water Day 2022 is “Groundwater – Making the invisible visible”, highlights the important role that groundwater plays in water and sanitation systems, agriculture, industry, ecosystems and climate change adaptation. Groundwater accounts for around 99% of the freshwater on the planet and its governance and management is essential to securing the provision of drinking water, irrigation, and industrial uses.
Growing populations have put further demands on groundwater resources leaving water managers throughout the globe struggling with over-exploitation of aquifers. This is turn is forcing many of them to rely on deeper groundwater sources, risking depletion and possible contamination. This demand will continue to grow as climate change affects the levels of rainfall and availability of easily accessible groundwater.
Groundwater and its sustainable management are strongly correlated to the reduction of poverty, increased socio-economic growth, increased crop yields and water security especially in rural areas. Managing the effects of climate change are crucial to recharge and the quantity and quality of available fresh water sources.
Want to learn more about or contribute to making groundwater less invisible?
- Help educate your family and your community about the importance of groundwater using materials provided by UN-Water.
- Read the UN World Water Development Report that describes the challenges and opportunities associated with the development, management and governance of groundwater across the world.
- Take the one-minute challenge and shoot a video about groundwater.
- Watch and be inspired by the documentary Brave Blue World to see how different communities are addressing water issues.
Join us by adding your voice and taking action to protect groundwater.
For more information on World Water Day visit: World Water Day | World Water Day 2022
