World Water Day: Conserving a Precious Resource

Published March 17, 2020    By Partnership

World Water Day (March 22) is an annual campaign led by the United Nations (UN Water) to bring attention to water as a precious resource. Access to clean water is a critical concern for many developing countries. However, many people are unaware of just how serious this issue is in the U.S. At least 2 million Americans are living without running water or a working toilet at home, according to the most recent report from Dig Deep and the US Water Alliance.  

Water Scarcity in Native Communities

Unfortunately, Native American households
are 19 times more likely than non-Native households to lack indoor plumbing.
Some families on the Navajo Nation and in the Southwest drive hours to haul
barrels of water to meet daily  needs. Extreme
weather events caused by climate change only add to the problem by making water
increasingly contaminated and scarce.  

While it may seem like water is an abundant, ever-flowing resource, for many – including those living on Native American reservations – this is not always the case. PWNA offers services to deliver clean drinking water to reservations that need it most. Visit our Material Services and Disaster Relief pages for more information on our water relief efforts.

Taking Action

This year, World Water Day will focus
on the connection between climate change and water access – educating
communities around the world not only about the need to improve access to clean
water but the importance of preserving water and understanding water scarcity.

When it comes to fighting climate change and preserving water, small lifestyle changes can make a meaningful impact. Here are seven simple steps you can take today to improve your environmental footprint and minimize water use, waste and emissions:

1. Reduce showers to 5 minutes maximum.
2. Participate in meatless Mondays.
3. Purchase locally sourced produce.
4. Bring reusable bags on grocery trips.
5. Unplug electronics when they aren’t
   in use.
6. Turn lights off whenever possible.
7. Walk or bike places instead of
   driving.

Find out how can you can participate in World Water Day by visiting www.worldwaterday.org.