One of the priority tasks of the entire human community is the preservation and rational use of water resources, and the most effective means of ensuring the quality of drinking water and protecting the health of citizens is the observance of a preventive management approach that includes all steps from the source, reservoir, distribution system to the consumer, it was announced from Institute for Public Health (IJZCG) on the occasion of March 22 - World Water Day.
That day is celebrated, among other things, to raise awareness of the two billion people who currently live without access to safe water. A key focus of World Water Day is to inspire action towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.
According to WHO criteria, drinking water that is safe for drinking, which is available in sufficient quantities, is one of the twelve basic indicators of the population's health status. One of the priority tasks of the entire human community is the preservation and rational use of water resources. The amount of water is already scarce in many countries, and the need for it by industrial consumers and households is constantly increasing. It is necessary to make efforts to create the conditions for users to get equal access to water while respecting the principles of environmental protection, the Institute announced.
The theme of this year's World Water Day: Groundwater - making the invisible visible
Groundwater is invisible, but its influence is visible everywhere, according to the IJZCG. "Out of sight, under our feet, groundwater is a hidden treasure that enriches our lives. In the driest parts of the world, it may be the only water people have."
Almost all liquid freshwater in the world is groundwater, and is used for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, industry and ecosystems. "Groundwater will play a key role in adapting to climate change, and we must work together on the sustainable management of this precious resource," said IJZCG.
What is groundwater
Groundwater is water found underground in aquifers, which are geological formations of rock, sand and gravel that can hold water.
Why we should care about groundwater
Groundwater is overused in many areas where more water is withdrawn from aquifers than is replenished by rain and snow.
Groundwater pollution is a special problem, the recovery of which requires decades or even centuries, notes the IJZCG. "In some places, we don't know how much groundwater lies beneath our feet, which means we may be failing to tap into a potentially vital water resource. Exploring, protecting and sustainably using groundwater will be key to surviving and adapting to climate change and meeting the needs of a growing population."
What can we do with groundwater?
The Institute points out that groundwater must be protected from pollution and used in a sustainable way, balancing the needs of people and the planet. "The role of groundwater is of vital importance in water supply and sanitation systems, agriculture, industry, ecosystems and adaptation to climate change and must be reflected in the creation of sustainable development policy".
"In the process of natural water circulation, many polluting substances, which man produces as part of his various activities, end up in surface and underground waters. The most effective means of ensuring the quality of drinking water and protecting the health of citizens, in all water supply systems, regardless of size, is compliance with preventive of a management approach that includes all steps from source, reservoir, distribution system to consumers", conclude from the Institute for Public Health.
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