By Katie Mahon, Communications Manager
This week’s “Embracing Faith” article will focus on Embracing Faith through Advocacy.
“With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” -Isaiah 12:3
When water conservation conversations occur, the issue of groundwater is often not even discussed, and many don’t even know what it is.
Groundwater, which is water found underground in the formations of rocks, sands, and gravels, is challenging to keep track of as we don’t even know how much there is of it in most places. (1)
Even though groundwater is technically invisible to the naked eye, its impact is everywhere, as it is underneath our feet, and even in some of the driest parts of the world, it is sometimes the only water people have. (1)
It is because of these facts that the 2022 theme of this year’s World Water Day celebration is “Groundwater – Making the Invisible Visible.” (1)
World Water Day, which is on March 22nd, is an annual celebration that was first observed by the Untied Nations in 1993, that “celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2 billion people currently living without access to safe water.” (1)
One of the main goals of World Water Day is to inspire action and achieve water and sanitation for all by 2030. (1)
Along with this primary goal, the 2022 goal of World Water Day is to raise more awareness about groundwater and its role in adapting to climate change. (1)
Many people do not realize that the pollution and overuse of groundwater can lead to more water being abstracted than what is recharged by rain and snow, along with decades of recovery. (1)
World Water Day advocates believe that “We must protect groundwater from pollution and use it sustainably, balancing the needs of people and the planet. Groundwater’s vital role in water and sanitation systems, agriculture, industry, ecosystems and climate change adaptation must be reflected in sustainable development policymaking.” (1)
To learn more, visit www.worldwaterday.org.