Continuing with the theme from last week, Friday, March 22 was “World Water Day”. This is a day declared by the United Nations 26 years ago to focus attention on the importance of fresh water.
In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly recognized “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights.” In other words, clean water is a foundation for LIFE and we ALL need it to live our lives properly.
Each year the UN also selects a theme for World Water Day and this year’s theme is “leaving no one behind.” It’s 2019 and there are still over 600 million people living without access to safe, clean water and 1.2 billion people are not connected to a wastewater system. Drinking from contaminated water sources and walking miles to fetch unsafe water is still a reality for far too many.
More than 1 billion people in water poor regions survive on the same amount used to flush a toilet or take a 5 minute shower. Every minute a child dies as a result of illnesses contracted by use of impure water. In fact more than 80% of all illnesses in the world are attributed to unclean water.
As Rotarians we are committed to doing our part to provide clean water and sanitation to help save lives. It all starts with one drop.