March 22nd is World Water Day. And since none of us can live without clean, safe water, it’s worth a few minutes to consider how fundamental a right this is.
World Water Day is an international observance spearheaded by the United Nations and provides opportunity to learn more about water related issues, be inspired to tell others and take action to make a difference. Each year, UN-Water — the entity that coordinates the UN’s work on water and sanitation — leads the charge.
When clean water is made available, the entire community benefits. When water quality and availability is compromised, the physical, economic & mental health of the entire community is at great risk, whatever the country, wherever the region.
Water sources everywhere are becoming more and more at risk of pollution from contaminated run-off from development density, industry, roadways, agriculture and even our own lawns.
Be mindful about how you use the precious water you have access to today:
– Turn faucets and showers on only when you are using the water. Don’t let clean water run needlessly.
– Run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads only.
– Filter your home’s drinking water with an NSF-rated carbon filter pitcher that removes lead, other heavy metals and volatile organic chemicals that can’t be removed at the water treatment facility before coming to you. Here’s the one I use: Get Clean Water Pitcher.
– It’s time to ditch the plastic water bottles. Buy a few more reusable bottles and bring your own water with you. Most of those empty plastic bottles end up in landfills, or worse, yet back in our waterways making water quality even more endangered. Plus no one wants to drink BPA that leaches from the plastic.
– Switch your lawn care to natural and organic. The chemicals applied in your yard find their way right back into your water supply, affecting your family’s health and the whole community.
– Get informed about the water quality in your area. PFA’s, lead, heavy metals and volatile organic chemicals are infiltrating water supplies in every U.S. state. Back elected officials who endorse clean water legislation.
– Support local and global organizations making a difference by ensuring clean water for all.
So here’s to a cool glass of water, from my sink to yours.