Happy World Water Day

...and boy do we need a day where water is brought to our attention.

"1.8 million people die every year from diarrhoeal diseases (including cholera); 90% are children under 5, mostly in developing countries." WHO

27 thousand people have been meeting to discuss water and the many crises that stem from its misuse, abuse and scarcity.

Water rights activists criticized the meeting saying:

"We demand that the allocation of water be decided in an open, transparent and democratic forum rather than in a trade show for the world's large corporations,"AFP

The meeting has unfortunately come out with a statement that calls water a 'need' rather than a 'right'... Both of which have different consequences for the world. Global Issues explains the problems for you.

ENN has more facts for you while World Changing has a roundup of Water news some of which are quirky and interesting, others more serious.The ICRC wants to ensure water for civilians caught in conflict zones.

Take a look at what one little boy (now a young man) did to get water to people in need: Ryan's Well

How can we help?

1- Stop wasting water - When we shower, brush our teeth, wash our cars, wash our floors, etc...

2- Filter our tap water and enjoy municipal water instead of bottled water that is in unhealthy/ eco-nightmare plastic anyway.

3- Avoid using chemical fertilisers, avoid disposing of things down the drain.

4- Get a waterless toilet system.

5- Insist that our representatives make clean affordable water a right for all, and that they have regulations to stop water waste and contamination.

6- Have a garden? Landscape the Xeriscape way

6- Help organizations that ensure clean water and water saving projects:

Charity:Water
Water Aid
NRDC
Water Partners

Conservation International
Surfrider Foundation