Did you know that March 22nd is World Water Day? World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance that celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2 billion people currently living without access to clean and safe water. Are you ready to learn and take action for safe water worldwide? We’ve compiled a few resources to help you on your journey!
The Facts About Clean Water Access
While many of us are fortunate enough to have clean and safe drinking water, over 2 billion people globally do not have access. While the U.S. generally has safe drinking water overall, studies have shown that in any given year from 1982 to 2015, somewhere between 9 million and 45 million Americans got their drinking water from a source that was in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data reveals that public water systems that constantly violate the Safe Drinking Water Act are 40% more likely to serve BIPOC communities. Indigenous populations are the least likely to have access to clean water, and pipeline violations continue to be committed. Contaminated water is dangerous for everyone, but is particularly harmful for infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
What Can You Do to Help Save Water?
-Shorten your showers
-Turn off the sink when brushing your teeth, shaving, etc
-Only run your washing machine and dishwasher with full loads. (Pro Tip: Use Dropps Laundry Detergent and Dishwasher pods, which contain concentrated cleaning ingredients with no added water!)
-Dispose of harmful materials such as oil, pesticides, and paint properly
-Limit your use of lawn and garden chemicals
How Can You Get Involved this World Water Day?
-Organize or join a beach, river, or wetland cleanup. (This is a great way to make new friends as well!)
-Learn about the clean water issues in your area, and find local activists to support
-Help stencil messages on your storm drains reminding people not to dump waste there, which contaminates local water sources
How will you celebrate World Water Day?