World Water Day

Today is world water day. World Water Day is observed internationally. World Water Day dates back to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development where an international observance for water was recommended. The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day. It has been held annually since then. Each year, UN-Water — the entity that coordinates the UN’s work on water and sanitation — sets a theme for World Water Day corresponding to a current or future challenge. Learn more here.  

This year we wanted share some facts about water in hopes it will inspire you to tell others and take action to make a difference.

1. 394 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean are without water access

2. 358 million people in Africa are without water access

3. 195 million people in Southeast, East Asia and Oceania are without water access

4. 9 million people are without water access in developed countries

5. More than 840,000 people die from a water-related disease each year. That could be from diarrhea caused by derisory drinking water, hygiene and sanitation. It translates to 2,300 deaths per day.

6. About 750 million people do not have access to clean water, which is approximately 1 in every 9 people

7. 82 percent of people who don’t have access to “improved” water live in rural areas

8. There are more people who have a mobile phone than access to a toilet.

9. Women and children spend 140 million hours collecting fresh water every day

10. 1 child dies from a water-related illness each day

11. There is a $4 economic return for each dollar that is spent on water and sanitation

12. The amount of safe water could drop by 40 percent in 15 years if people do not change the way they use water

Facts courtesy of Water.org.