Water is the major driving force of sustainable development. World Water Day aims to increase people’s awareness of the water’s importance in all aspects of life and focus on its judicious use and sustainable management. In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly designated 22 March as the first World Water Day (WWD). Since then the WWD is celebrated to draw wider public attention to the importance of water for mankind. Globally the day is celebrated to focus attention on water conservation, carrying out appropriate concrete measures and implementing the UN recommendations at individual, local and national level. WWD is a global day creating awareness on the subject and urging people to take appropriate actions for its conservation and avoiding its misuse.
The theme for World Water Day 2018 is ‘Nature for Water’ which aims to explore nature-based solutions to the water challenges faced in the 21st century. Water is essential to our survival, it is essential to human health. The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water. Water is at the core of sustainable development. From food and energy security to human and environmental health, water contributes to improvements in social well-being and growth, affecting the livelihoods of billions.
Globally, 768 million people lack access to improved water sources and 2.5 billion people have no improved sanitation. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 7.5 liters per capita per day to meet domestic demands. Around 20 liters per capita per day will take care of basic hygiene needs and basic food hygiene. Poor water quality and absence of appropriate sanitation facilities are detrimental to public health and more than 5 million people die each year due to polluted drinking water. The WHO estimates that providing safe water could prevent 1.4 million child deaths from diarrhea each year.
Water is essential for our survival
It is ironical that a large number of people in the Middle East are still consuming excess water and are ignorant or careless about the looming water shortages. With the threat of dwindling water and energy resources becoming increasingly real and with each passing day, it is important for every person in the Arab world to contribute to the conservation of water.
Celebrating World Water Day means that we need to conserve and reduce our water use as excessive water use will generate more wastewater which is also to be collected, transported, treated and disposed. We need to understand that 60% of total household water supply is used inside the home in three main areas – the kitchen, the bathroom and the laundry room – and which is collectively known as greywater
Saving water is easy for everyone to do. Let us try to implement the following basic water conservation tips at home:
- Turn off the water tap while tooth brushing, shaving and face washing.
- Clean vegetables, fruits, dishes and utensils with minimum water. Don’t let the water run while rinsing.
- Run washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full.
- Using water-efficient showerheads and taking shorter showers.
- Learning to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
- Repair and fix any water leaks.
The World Water Day implores us to respect our water resources. Act Now and Do Your Part.
Save water.. The world is in yr hands..
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