It is easy to take our freshwater resources for granted. We wake up, brush our teeth, wash our faces, make our morning coffee, take a shower… If we were to take an inventory of all our activities that involve water—and how much we use on a daily basis—we’d likely be astonished, especially if we compare what we use in the United States to that of other countries. And although water resources have been resilient, they are becoming increasingly scarce and vulnerable.
Tomorrow (March 22nd, 2010) marks World Water Day, a day to focus attention on the importance of managing our freshwater resources. Each year highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. The theme this year is “Clean Water for a Healthy World,” a theme that highlights the need to protect both the quality and quantity of our increasingly precious water resources. The campaign aims to “raise awareness about sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being through addressing the increasing water quality challenges in water management and raise the profile of water quality by encouraging governments, organizations, communities, and individuals around the world to actively engage in proactively addressing water quality” (from www.worldwaterday2010.info)
Water quality is deteriorating due to population growth, rapid urbanization, discharge of pathogens and chemicals, and climate change. The expansion and enhancement of existing infrastructure to maintain water quality cannot keep up with rapid population growth and urbanization in many areas because of the associated costs. Agricultural and industrial activities have and continue to cause pollution problems. Increasing temperatures associated with climate change can cause changes in hydrological patterns. And there is a significant lack of water quality data and monitoring worldwide, and a resultant lack of prioritization of water quality in many countries.
Our priority needs to be prevention of water pollution, as both treatment and restoration are costly, complicated, and, in some cases, not guaranteed to address the problem.
Here are some things you can do to protect water quality:
- Replace impervious (paved) surfaces with porous materials and plantings to decrease polluted runoff
- Sweep driveways, sidewalks, gutters, and patios rather than hosing them down
- Direct rainwater to lawns/gardens
- Pick up after your pet
- Properly store and dispose of household chemicals
- Check cars for fluid leaks and recycle motor oil
- Find a car wash that recycles wastewater; avoid washing cars on driveways/streets
- Don’t flush garbage down the toilet
- Never pour anything down storm drains and don’t litter—everything on the streets can be carried into waterways
- Avoid using fertilizers/pesticides or use them sparingly
- Compost yard and garden waste
- Stay aware and get involved: support “Low Impact Development” strategies, volunteer for restoration organizations/activities, and help educate your community on water quality solutions
For more information and to find out what you can do to protect water resources and raise awareness about the importance of water quality, go to http://www.worldwaterday2010.info/.
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