March 22nd is known as World Water Day and Miami-Dade County residents should take a moment to be thankful that we have such a safe, dependable source of drinking water whenever we want a glass to drink or cook with or use to bathe our children. Today, there are more than 663 million people living without a safe water supply close to home. They must then spend countless hours travelling to distant sources, and coping with the health impacts of using contaminated water.
The Sustainable Development Goals, launched in 2015, include a target to ensure everyone has access to safe water by 2030, making water a key issue in the fight to eradicate extreme poverty.
Water is vital to the survival of everything on the planet and is limited in supply. The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact less than 1 percent is available for human use. While the population and the demand on freshwater resources are increasing, supply remains constant.
You can participate in a world-wide event on Wednesday, March 22 by observing World Water Day and doing your part to conserve water. World Water Day is an international observance and an opportunity to learn more about water related issues, be inspired to tell others and take action to make a difference.The United Nations General Assembly designated March 22, 1993 as the first World Water Day.
“Regardless of the differences between nationalities, ethnicities, gender and so on, one thing all members of the human race have in common is the need for clean, safe drinking water and I encourage all of WASD’s customers to not only be aware of the conservation of water on this special day, but every day,” said WASD Director Lester Sola. “The small changes we make in our daily routines can have far reaching impacts for not only our local future generations, but positive world-wide implications, as well.”
WASD operates an award-winning conservation program where residents can learn water-saving tips, but also take advantage of conservation rebates, as well.
125 fifth grade students from Citrus Grove Elementary School and the American Heritage School will participate in the Earth Echo Water Challenge today. EarthEcho International co-founder and President Philippe Cousteau Jr hosts the event with Miami Waterkeeper at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center. Program Spokesperson, Sarah Piwinski says, " The program will introduce students to the importance of monitoring their local water supply and how they can take action to tackle local water crises."
For more on the EarthEcho International program, click here