World Water Day 2021

Water is one of human’s most essential resources and as our global population continues to rise, so does the demand for water.

World Water Day annually falls on the 22nd of March. Celebrated across the globe, this day highlights the value of freshwater, what it means to different people, and the advocacy for sustainable management of this natural resource.

According to the United Nations (UN), the idea for this international day was derived in 1992 during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. That same year, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring World Day for Water to fall annually on March 2nd; the first observance in 1993. While normally events take place worldwide on this day, due to COVID-19 this year the UN will raise awareness and encourage conversations digitally; #water2me.

This year the celebrations for World Water Day are focused on valuing water – the environmental, social, and cultural value people place on water. Without comprehension of water’s multidimensional value, we will lack the ability to safeguard this critical resource. So, what does water mean to us as Canadians? How much water are we using? The answer is a lot.

Domestic Water Use in USA

While statistics vary, on average, each American uses about 80-100 gallons of water per day. And while household water withdraws in the United States decreased from 2005 – 2015, the United States still has the highest per capita water use figures among 30 developed and emerging economies.   In fact, the United States is the highest consumer of water per capita around the globe.

So where and how are Americans using water? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 70% water consumption occurs indoors, with 63% consumption occurring in the bathroom.

• 24 % toilet
• 20% shower
• 19% faucet
• 17% clothes washer
• 12% leak
• 8% other

Quick Tips:

• Wash your produce in a bowl of water vs. allowing the sink to continuously run
• Don’t rinse your dishes – most dishwashers are powerful enough to get your dishes clean without a pre-rinse
• Use eco-friendly, energy-efficient appliances like dishwashers and washing machines
• Run full loads of laundry
• Reuse towels and only wash your towels when they need to be washed
• If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down
• Conduct a leak test in your bathroom
• Take shorter showers or install an ECO shower in your home

There are many factors to consider, and simple tricks Americans can utilize to help decrease their daily, domestic water consumption. Let’s take a look at the bigger picture – worldwide water facts.

Water Around the Globe – Fast Facts

• 3/10 people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water services
• 6/10 people worldwide lack access to safely managed sanitation facilities.
• Water scarcity affects more than 40% of the global population and is projected to rise
• More than 6x the population of the United States lives without a household water connection
• An estimated 790 million people (11% of the world’s population) live without access to an improved water supply
• An estimated 1.8 billion people (25% of the world’s population) live without access to adequate sanitation.
• 70% of water abstracted from rivers, lake and aquifers is used for irrigation

The UN has set goals regarding clean water and sanitation; Sustainable Developmental Goal 6 aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all by 2030. As Canadians, many of us are lucky enough to have access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and household water connections. It is our responsibility not to abuse this privilege. Take action for World Water Day today, and every day.

“Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water” – Albert Szent

Submetering is one of the many ways you can begin to reduce your water consumption and environmental impact. This user-pay system creates a responsibility for residents to consider consumption. No matter where you stand on the scale of environmental consciousness, paying only for the utilities you use is an excellent way to monitor and assess usage and to see if there are options for reducing consumption or using water more efficiently.

You can contact a Priority Submetering Solutions sales team member to find out more about usage reductions and the potential savings of installing a suite metering system in your building by emailing [email protected] or calling 1.855.318.2204 x2.