World Water Day is about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis, it is held annually on 22 March for taking action to tackle the global water crisis, in support of the Sustainable Development Goal

It is easy to think that water will always be plentiful because it covers 70% of our planet, however, freshwater—that we drink, bathe in, and irrigate our farm fields with—is incredibly rare. Only 3% of the world’s water is freshwater, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use.

As a result, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Inadequate sanitation is also a problem for 2.4 billion people—they are exposed to diseases, such as cholera and typhoid fever, and other water-borne illnesses. Two million people, mostly children, die each year from diarrheal diseases alone.

More than half the world’s wetlands have disappeared, and many of the water systems that keep ecosystems thriving and feed a growing human population have become stressed. Rivers, lakes, and aquifers are drying up or becoming too polluted to use.

Agriculture consumes more water than any other source and wastes much of that through inefficiencies. Climate change is altering patterns of weather and water around the world, causing shortages and droughts in some areas and floods in others (2).

Causes of world water crisis:

POLLUTION

Water pollution comes from many sources including pesticides and fertilizers that wash away from farms, untreated human wastewater, and industrial waste. Even groundwater is not safe from pollution, as many pollutants can leach into underground aquifers. Some effects are immediate, such as when harmful bacteria from human waste contaminate water and make it unfit to drink or swim in. In other instances- such as toxic substances from industrial processes—it may take years to build up in the environment and food chain before their effects are fully recognized.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture uses 70% of the world’s accessible freshwater, but some 60% of this is wasted due to leaky irrigation systems, inefficient application methods as well as the cultivation of crops that are too thirsty for the environment in which they are grown. This wasteful use of water is drying out rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers.

POPULATION GROWTH

The human population has more than doubled in the last 50 years. Today, 41% of the world’s population lives in river basins that are under water stress. Concern about water availability grows as freshwater use continues at unsustainable levels.

what happened if you don’t drink any water

1. Persistent headaches. One of the first things you might notice when you’re dehydrated is a throbbing headache. The good news? If dehydration is the cause, it should go away shortly after you drink a large glass of water.
2. Sluggish bowel function. “There are water receptors in the colon, and they pull water from the body to make the stools softer,” says Dr. Moghaddam. “If you don’t get enough water, hard stools and constipation could be common side effects, along with abdominal pain and cramps.”
3. Dull skin. Dehydration shows up on your face in the form of dry, ashy skin that seems less radiant, plump, and elastic (1).

We need to accelerate change – to go beyond ‘business as usual’

Water affects everyone, so we need everyone to take action.

Me, you, family, school, and community can make a difference by changing the way we use, consume, and manage water in our lives.

References:
(1) Henry Ford Healthy

https://www.henryford.com/blog/2020/05/side-effects-of-not-drinking-water

(2) World Wildlife

https://www.worldwildlife.org
https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity/

(3) World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/
https://www.who.int/health-topics/drought?gclid=CjwKCAjwzuqgBhAcEiwAdj5dRqcq5k_DC0DzZVyrhukcfS3JZtYiGDxXu3XA3rIaCtwBo8xnmJ1w6hoCioIQAvD_BwE#tab=tab_1