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14 March 2022
The global water crisis is one of the biggest environmental and socioeconomic issues we are currently facing. What would we be without this life-giving resource?
In 1993, the United Nations (UN) declared the 22 March 'World Water Day.' This is an important international day to raise awareness about the growing impact of the global water crisis. Using the day as a basis for longer-term action, the UN aims to ensure that everyone in the world has access to safe clean water by 2030, without negatively impacting the environment.
According to the United Nations, World Water Day aims to emphasise the importance of water to every part of our lives and for the survival of our beautiful planet. Water is at the core of sustainable development and is crucial for socio-economic development, thriving ecosystems, and human survival. It’s vital for reducing the global burden of diseases and improving the health, welfare and productivity of populations.
The theme for this year's event is 'Groundwater - making the invisible visible'. Which aims to focus attention on the hidden water resources that have always been critical but not fully recognised in sustainable development policymaking.
This year's campaign will explain groundwater’s essential role in water and sanitation systems, agriculture, industry, ecosystems and climate change adaptation. The overarching message of the campaign is that exploring, protecting and sustainably using groundwater will be central to surviving and adapting to the increasing effects of climate change and meeting the needs of a growing population.’ said the United Nations
The South African Department of Water and Sanitation plan celebrate national water week from March 21 to March 27 and raise awareness around issues such as water conservation, sustainability and climate change. This World Water Day campaign will be in line with the initiatives championed by the United Nations which advocates for the sustainable management of our freshwater resources.
According to the department, 'Climate Change is also gradually affecting South Africa’s water resources negatively. In the face of climate change, groundwater, which won’t experience the increased evaporation that impacts surface water as temperatures rise, will become increasingly important. Artificial recharge of aquifers will be an important element of water management.
Given the exponential population growth, coupled with the impacts of climate change on surface water, there is a need to optimise the water mix which is currently dominated by surface water and the use of groundwater will be important in this mix Also most of South Africa’s groundwater is safe for consumption purposes.
South Africa's Master Plan on Water and Sanitation projects that by 2040, there should be less reliance on surface water. The Master Plan hopes to achieve a change in the water mix not only with increased groundwater use but also with an increase in the re-use of sewage or liquid waste from wastewater treatment plants, water reclamation, as well as the optimisation of desalination and treated acid mine drainage.'
The department has noted that awareness and advocacy activities will take place to tackle these challenges that we face as a country, such as insufficient water, infrastructure maintenance and investment, recurrent droughts driven by a shift in climate and the inequalities in access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
These important activities and discussions 'will enable stakeholders to exchange ideas and network around the plans and strategies for the water sector,' stated the department in the official concept document.
Small ways YOU can make a big difference in the global water crisis:
1. Collect rain water in your backyard
2. Reduce your shower time
3. Create a water conscious behaviours within your households
4. Check taps and pipes for leaks
5. Say no to food waste
6. Use eco-friendly and biodegradable sunscreen
Have a look at our Nedbank Water Savings Guide and Learn more about World water 2022.
This information is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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