World Water Day 2021 - How We Can Help

World Water Day is a day worth noting. Here in the United States, it’s easy to take water for granted — it just comes out of the faucet anytime we want it. Yet, all over the globe, there are people who don’t have access to clean, safe drinking water.

What is World Water Day?

March 22 is World Water Day, a day dedicated to drawing attention to the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. Created by the United Nations, it is a day focused on the importance of freshwater. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis and to bring aid to people who truly need it across the world.

Water is more than just essential to quench thirst or protect health; water is vital for creating jobs and supporting economic, social, and human development.

According to the CDC, 785 million people in the world live without basic drinking water services. That’s nearly 1 in 10 people worldwide. Or twice the population of the United States. The majority live in isolated rural areas and spend hours every day walking to collect water for their family. Not only does walking for water keep children out of school or take up time that parents could be used to earn money, but the water often carries diseases that can make everyone sick.

What Can We All Do to Help?

Ensuring the availability of safe water for all is vital to keep up the fight against the spread of COVID-19 and future pandemics. Handwashing with soap and water is impossible for many as it doesn’t work without water.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 63% of people in urban areas, representing the main clusters of the virus, find it hard to access basic water services and cannot wash their hands.  

Safe water and sanitation protect and saves lives. To learn more and how you can help, here are a few organizations that are working to bring families clean water and better futures around the world: