Ify Onyekwere
Safe drinking water is necessary for human survival and development. Despite significant progress in improving global access to clean water, millions of people worldwide continue to need access to safe and dependable water sources. As we mark World Water Day 2023, the theme, \”Valuing Water,\” reminds us of the importance of recognizing the actual value of water and taking action to ensure that water is available for all.
The United Nations General Assembly recognized the necessity of water as a fundamental human right in 2010. Access to clean water is essential for good health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Unfortunately, the global water crisis continues to threaten the well-being of millions of people worldwide, particularly those in low-income countries.
According to the United Nations, over 2 billion people cannot access safe drinking water, and about 4.2 billion people lack access to well-managed sanitation services. These challenges are more acute in rural areas of low-income countries, where people often rely on contaminated water sources for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
The problem of accessing clean water has serious health consequences. Inadequate sanitation and hygiene, as well as drinking contaminated water, has a high chance of leading to waterborne diseases such as dysentery, cholera, and typhoid fever. These diseases cause millions of deaths each year, and the burden falls disproportionately on the most vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.
Access to clean water is also essential for economic development. Communities without reliable sources of water struggle to grow crops, raise livestock, and establish small businesses. Women and girls, in particular, are often responsible for fetching water, which can take several hours each day, leaving little time for education or income-generating activities.
The global water crisis is exacerbated by climate change, leading to more frequent and severe droughts and floods. These climate-related disasters disproportionately affect the world\’s poorest communities, where people often lack the resources to adapt and recover from the impacts of extreme weather events.
The theme for World Water Day 2023, \”Valuing Water,\” reminds us of the importance of recognizing the true value of water and taking action to ensure its availability for all. Valuing water means recognizing the economic, social, and environmental benefits of water and taking steps to protect this precious resource.
One way to value water is by investing in water infrastructure. Building water infrastructure such as wells, boreholes, and piped water systems can provide communities with reliable sources of clean water. However, it is essential to ensure that these infrastructure projects are sustainable and meet the needs of the local communities.
Another way to value water is by promoting water conservation and sustainable use. Encouraging practices such as rainwater harvesting, water conservation education, and the use of low-flow water fixtures can assist in the reduction of water waste and ensure that freshwater resources are available for future generations.
Valuing water also means recognizing the importance of wastewater management. Wastewater is a valuable resource that can be treated and reused for irrigation and other purposes. However, much of the world\’s wastewater is discharged untreated into rivers and oceans, polluting waterways and endangering public health.
Investing in wastewater treatment and reuse can provide communities with a reliable source of water and reduce the environmental impact of wastewater. This can be particularly important in areas with limited water resources, where wastewater reuse can help ensure water availability for agricultural and other purposes.
Finally, valuing water means recognizing the importance of water governance. Water governance entails ensuring that water resources are managed sustainably and equitably while also considering the needs of all stakeholders, including the environment. This requires strong institutions, transparent decision-making processes, and effective participation by all stakeholders, including marginalized communities.
