World Water Day
by Carlos del Razo and Nicole Villaseñor
Water is not only a vital resource and source of life but also recognized as a human right inherent to all people, fulfilling a basic need for the existence of our species and biodiversity at large.
Since 1992, the United Nations General Assembly, through resolution A/RES/47/193, declared March 22 as World Water Day each year.
Although our planet is mostly composed of water, the National Water Information System of the National Water Commission (“CONAGUA“) estimates the global average annual water availability at 1,386 trillion cubic hectometers (hm3), of which 35 trillion hm3 are fresh water (2.5%). Of the fresh water, 70% is unavailable, being locked in glaciers, snow, and ice; 10.5 million hm3 are groundwater, with only 0.14 trillion hm3 in lakes, rivers, soil moisture, air, wetlands, and plants.
Sustainable Development Goal (“SDG“) number 6 aims to achieve sanitation and access to clean water for all. However, despite the critical importance of this resource, a study by the WHO and UNICEF found that 2.2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, including 115 million drinking surface water.[1]
The World Health Organization’s statistics indicate that unless efforts and advancements are quadrupled, by 2030, billions will not have access to water, underscoring the urgency of addressing this basic resource’s mismanagement.
What are the main problems causing water scarcity?
- Poor management of water use and discharge, and inadequate reuse;
- Population growth;
- Increased urbanization and deforestation;
- High water demand in certain sectors, mainly agriculture, followed by industry and energy.
Our country is currently facing a water crisis, with low reservoir storage levels and poor pipeline conditions leading to a lack of water supply for millions.
Currently, the Cutzamala System is at 38.7% of its total usable water storage capacity.
According to a CONAGUA report from February 2024, of the dams in our country, only 6 out of 210 are at 100% capacity, while 116 are below 50% of their level.
What actions can be taken to improve water resources?
It’s crucial for the public sector to increase investment in sanitation infrastructure and facilities, promote ecosystem protection and restoration related to water, and create awareness and education campaigns about hygiene and responsible water use.
Additionally, improving the quality of wastewater discharges by changing materials and chemicals used in the process and enhancing treatment quality is necessary.
Rainwater harvesting, increased desalination infrastructure, installing water-saving devices, better utilization of wastewater and its circularity in processes, forest protection, and preventing pollution in water sources (surface and underground) are essential actions to address the water crisis.
Individuals can start by understanding their water footprint and adjusting personal water consumption to meet actual needs.
Access to water with proper sanitation is crucial not only for optimal health but also for preserving ecosystems and living beings on the planet.
Sustainably managing water resources fosters multiple benefits, enhancing energy and food production, thereby promoting health and aquatic biodiversity.
Water care is vital for life on our planet; without optimal access, thousands will continue to suffer from related diseases like diarrhea and malaria.
Thus, it’s imperative that change begins today, as both the planet and its inhabitants urgently need it for harmonious coexistence.
[1] 2023 Update Report from the WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), Progress on Drinking Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Households 2000-2022: Special Focus on Gender.