It’s World Water Day, today! This day happens every year on March 22 nd and has been since 1993. This day is an annual observance from the United Nations (and coordinated by UN-Water) to hone in on the importance of freshwater. This day is not only in place to celebrate water but to raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It’s about putting a spotlight on how we all can and should take action to tackle the global water crisis.

“Water is complex because it is linked to almost everything in the world. But complexity should not hinder understanding: Water is a precondition for human existence and for the sustainability of the planet.” This was too powerful of a statement from UN-Water not to share. They have many resources on their website but their Water Facts is what I’d recommend everyone taking a look at today while reflecting on water and sanitation.

Every living thing on this earth needs water to survive. Without it, there would be nothing. This year’s theme for World Water Day is “valuing water.” This is a crucial thing for us all to think about because how we, as a collective, value water is what determines how water is managed and shared. And this goes well beyond the cost of water, it’s the value of it to our everyday lives, to culture, health, our environment. I’ll say it again, without water there would be nothing.

In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was created so that we can take action for people, our planet and prosperity. Within this plan are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call by all countries – developed and developing – to take action, together. Goal 6, is what we’re highlighting today to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

So, let’s talk about how we value water. There are five different ways we can look at and value water:

1. Water Resources (natural water and ecosystems)
2. Water Infrastructure (storage, treatment, & supply)
3. Water Services (drinking water, sanitation & health services)
4. Water Production & Socio-Economic Activities (food, agriculture, energy, industry, business, jobs)
5. Water Socio-Cultural Aspects (recreational, cultural, spiritual)

All of these are important but it can be very intimidating to look at that list and know how we can really make a difference. But it starts with us speaking up and joining in on the conversation. By sharing our thoughts, ideas, and resources with one another I really do believe that we are on the right path to making change happen.

In my home, the ways that I value water is by being intentional about how much I use it. I don’t leave the faucets running when washing dishes or brushing my teeth, I don’t do load after load after load of laundry in one day, I drink tap water instead of buying it, I vote for people/policies that support my views on conservation, sustainability and the environment. I also use my voice to encourage others to do their part, whatever that looks like for them. We can all play a part, even if it seems small and like it doesn’t make a difference. If we all did small things to value water every day, it would add up to be a whole lot of impact!

I’d love to hear how YOU value water and some of the things you do to help!

Lastly, an initiative close to the team at Empowering Pumps & Equipment’s heart is the Buy Pumps, Save Lives campaign. We know change happens when we invest in it. Check out Charli K Matthews article on how you can get involved to support LifePump™.