#WWD2022 #WorldWaterDay #OURGroundwater

Below is the text version the following Power Point presentation;

By OTU, Uwem Robert, Secretary, Outreach & Partnership Committee,
Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC) &
Representative of African Youth Movement (AYM)
to the United Nations Department of Global Communications,

which was delivered on March 21, 2022.
 
CONTENTS
What is Groundwater
Groundwater Governance
Groundwater as a Resource
Groundwater Preservation

What is Groundwater                                                                            

Groundwater is essentially the regulator of the freshwater cycle. It acts as a giant sponge that can absorb surplus water and mitigate the shortage, making it a vital component in adapting to climate variability. During drought, groundwater sustains rivers, lakes, and wetlands – but only as long as we do not deplete reservoirs, something which we are currently busy doing at an alarming speed in many parts of the world.

Groundwater                                                                                             

Groundwater makes up 99 percent of all freshwater that is not frozen. It provides nearly half of the world’s population with drinking water and contributes to about half of the global food production. For some 2.5 billion people in the world, groundwater is their only source of fresh water.

Groundwater Governance                                                                        

Groundwater is often over-abstracted, particularly for irrigation, and its increasing scarcity is coupled with deteriorating quality caused by contamination. It is a complex problem. Not only because groundwater is virtually invisible, but also because many of the contributing factors are thought of as local problems and not as parts of a global threat to groundwater. We can only achieve sustainable groundwater management on a global level with a much more holistic approach.

In places where groundwater resources are relatively abundant and of good quality, they represent vast development potential – a potential that is often overlooked. To fully realize this potential, we need a more robust understanding of groundwater resources and how they are being used and depended upon around the world.

Groundwater as a Resource                                                                               

From a development perspective, proper groundwater management is key to

functioning water services and public health, particularly in urban environments. Getting it wrong can have serious consequences.

Most of the urban population growth in the world takes place in slums and informal settlements. In such areas, many people draw their everyday water from shallow wells as this is the most accessible and affordable – and sometimes only – solution. The problem is that urban groundwater is usually exposed to high levels of pollutants.

There are often few, or no, institutions tasked with managing urban groundwater reserves. Such institutions are, therefore, urgently needed to establish well-informed, sustainable practices that also consider the interests of vulnerable communities. Fundamentally, good groundwater management is a prerequisite to fulfilling several sustainable development goals as well as the human right to water.

Ways to Protect & Conserve Groundwater                                                         

1.                Go, Native,

Use native plants in your landscape. They look great and don’t need much water or fertilizer. Also choose grass varieties for your lawn that are adapted for your region’s climate, reducing the need for extensive watering or chemical applications.

2.             Reduce Chemical Use

Use fewer chemicals around your home and yard, and make sure to dispose of them properly – don’t dump them on the ground!

3.             Manage Waste

Properly dispose of potentially toxic substances like unused chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paint, motor oil, and other substances. Many communities hold household hazardous waste collections or sites – contact your local health department to find one near you.

4.           Don’t Let It Run

Shut off the water when you brush your teeth or shave, and don’t let it run while waiting for it to get cold. Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead.

5.             Fix the Drip

Check all the faucets, fixtures, toilets, and taps in your home for leaks and fix them right away, or install water-conserving models.

6.           Wash Smarter

Limit yourself to just a five-minute shower, and challenge your family members to do the same! Also, make sure to only run full loads in the dish and clothes washer.

7.          Water Wisely

Water the lawn and plants during the coolest parts of the day and only when they truly need it. Make sure you, your family, and your neighbors obey any watering restrictions during dry periods.

9.   Natural Alternatives

Use all-natural/nontoxic household cleaners whenever possible. Materials such as lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar make great cleaning products and are inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.

10.            Learn and Do More!

Get involved in water education! Learn more about groundwater and share your knowledge with others.

Thank You.

Presentation

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Related other links:

Keynote
https://www.lmglobal.org/2022/04/17/keynote-speech-by-ambassador-taye-atskeselassie-amde-on-our-groundwater-how-can-we-work-together-to-manage-it-sustainably/

Flier/Invitation:
https://www.lmglobal.org/2022/03/11/wwd2022-groundwater-celebration-of-water-virtual-event-on-march-21-at-12pm-et/

Concept Note/Definition/Save the Date
https://www.lmglobal.org/2022/01/31/2022wwd-our-groundwater-how-can-we-work-together-to-manage-it-sustainably/