It probably would not be very fun to ski down a barren hillside, dive into an empty swimming pool, or canoe along a rocky river bottom. Many of us take water—for health, for normal daily activities, and for recreation—for granted. But imagine if you had to trek ten miles to find potable water for your family, or had no choice but to bathe in a contaminated stream. Unfortunately, this is a reality for the 1.1 billion people– one in five of the world’s population—who lack access to clean, safe drinking water.
The UN General Assembly designated March 22 as “World Water” Day in 1992 to address this issue. In 2007, 69 U.S. cities recognized the date and organized events around the cause. Tomorrow, and throughout the month of March, many more cities and towns will follow suit.
Visit worldwaterday.net for information about international water issues, World Water Day, events occurring in your local area, and a map of global water security. You can even participate in a virtual “walk for water” from the comfort of your own home. The world water crisis is a geographic, political and moral issue. So get involved!
Below is a selection of events occurring throughout the United States:
March 16-March 22
Cities across the U.S.
Beginning Sunday, March 16 through Saturday, March 22, restaurants will invite their customers to donate a minimum of $1 for the tap water they would normally get for free. These donations to UNICEF will go towards improving access to safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, while promoting safe hygiene practices in more than 90 countries around the world. Plug in your zip code to find restaurants in your city.
Friday, March 21
Washington, DC
Water for People Celebrate World Water Day with Water For People on Friday, March 21. Raffles and speakers-including Amy Hart – Filmmaker, Water First-will make the evening one to remember.
Louisville, KY
Join Edge Outreach for a night of music, water and film. Join speakers and hear stories of what is being done for those without water and sanitation.
Saturday, March 22.
Washington, DC
DC Environmental Film Festival The DC Environmental Film Festival will have several water movies showing on World Water Day March 22. There is also a panel of water experts at 4:00 PM that day.
WaterAid America in conjunction with the American Museum of Natural History present a panel discussion exploring the burden unsafe water and sanitation place on women, and the role women can play in water and sanitation development interventions.
Walk for Water Events occurring in three major cities: Los Angeles, CA; Seattle, WA; New York, NY
March 26
Washington, DC
The Global Health Council will hold a briefing on Capitol Hill called “The Link Between Clean Water and Health.”
Get out there and have fun, and Tell Us how you celebrated World Water Day!
Sarah for My Wonderful World