World Water Day

World Water Day

Water is all around us and is essential for life here on earth. It is important that each of us strives to be good stewards of God’s creation by protecting and conserving this precious resource. Billions of people world-wide do not have access to clean water or infrastructure to allow for the safe treatment of waste water. This problem can seem very big and maybe even beyond our control- but there are things we can do each and every day to help. Below is a story that is at the core of World Water Day 2023 as well as a list of things you can do at home from the World Water Day website. Please talk to your families and make an action plan today!

The story of a hummingbird

‘One day in the forest, a fire broke out.
All the animals ran for their lives.
They stood at the edge of the blaze, looking at the flames in terror and sadness.
Up above their heads, a hummingbird was flying back and forth to the fire, over and over again.
The bigger animals asked the hummingbird what she was doing.
“I am flying to the lake to get water to help put out the fire.”
The animals laughed at her and said, “You can’t put out this fire!”
The hummingbird replied, “I’m doing what I can.”’

What can you do to be like the hummingbird?

“Billions of people and countless schools, businesses, healthcare centres, farms and factories don’t have the safe water and toilets they need.  To accelerate change, we need more action. Learn about how in the UN World Water Development Report, the UN 2023 Water Conference and through stories from around the world.”

Save water: Take shorter showers and don’t let the tap run when brushing my teeth, doing dishes and preparing food.

Eat local: Buy local, seasonal food and look for products made with less water.

Be curious: Find out where my water comes from and how it is shared, and visit a treatment plant to see how waste is managed

Protect nature: Plant a tree or create a raingarden – use natural solutions to reduce the risk of flooding and store water.

Flush safe: Fix leaking water and waste pipes, empty full septic tanks and report dumping of sludge.

Build pressure: Write to my elected representatives about budgets for improving water at home and abroad.

Stop polluting: Don’t put food waste, oils, medicines and chemicals down my toilet or drains.

Clean up: Take part in clean-ups of my local rivers, lakes, wetlands or beaches.

Take some time today individually or as a family set actionable goals to conserve and protect water worldwide! Visit www.worldwaterday.org for even more ways you can get involved!