Making the invisible visible
Water, arguably one of the most important natural resources on the planet, abundant yet lacking at the same time. World Water Day is on 22 March every year. In 1993, the United Nations started this movement to help people understand the importance of sustainable management of fresh-water resources. World Water Day is closely tied to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030 which is one of the main focuses.
Moving on, we’ll be sharing with you more information about this year’s theme for World Water Day 2022 and the different ways you can participate, be it individually or with your company!
Photo by mushroomhead
Groundwater? What and why?
Groundwater is water found underground in aquifers, which are geological formations of rocks, sands and gravels that can hold water. Most groundwater is obtained from snowmelt and rainfall that gets into the bedrock through the surrounding soil. An example would be the water you get from wells!
Though invisible, it has a visible impact everywhere. In parts of the world where water is scarce, it may be the only source of water people have. Majority of the liquid freshwater we have in the world is all groundwater which is used from drinking water supplies to farming and sanitation systems.
It is very important to manage groundwater sustainably as it will play an important role in the fight to deal with climate change!
Photo by USGS
Groundwater, should we care?
Groundwater is overused in many areas in the world, where more water is taken from aquifers faster than rain or snow can recharge. This leads to groundwater pollution which is a serious issue that can take decades to centuries to recover from.
Even with technological advancements, there are places that hold groundwater in unknown quantities, which could be right below our feet. This means that a vital water resource is going to waste as we could potentially harness it.
Exploring, protecting and sustainably using groundwater will be central to surviving and adapting to climate change and meeting the needs of a growing population.
Image from BRITA
What can we do about groundwater?
It is important that we protect groundwater from pollution and use it sustainably to balance the needs of the people and the planet. Previously, we mentioned the vital role groundwater plays and to ensure that this resource can continue to do its work, climate change adaptations should and must be reflected when it comes to sustainable development policymaking.
What we do above ground matters underground. We need to ensure that only harmless, biodegradable products are used on the soil and water as efficiently as possible.
Groundwater and the SDGs
Market for Good supports this Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) and good groundwater management is needed to achieve most of this SDG of Agenda 2030. 53 of the SDG’s 126 targets have a connection to groundwater. There has been data to back about the poor recognition of the importance of groundwater to sustainable development at the target SDG level. With the lack of useful and SDG-relevant groundwater data that is available, there is bound to be difficulty to have good groundwater recommendations both locally and globally.
Most importantly, there are poor links between these targets and its indicators which poses a problem as groundwater-related and relevant aspirations may not be translated into measurable, and proper actions.
What are you doing this World Water Day?
Every year in Singapore, the Public Utilities Board (PUB), comes up with various activities to celebrate world water day. This year, it is a month-long celebration and there are some interesting activities we would like to share with you!
Firstly, these activities are more suited to a family and friends setting. The first ever #GoBlue4SG carnival will also be held on 22 March, which will see the Marina Barrage transform into a blue wonderland with food, games and fireworks painted in the colour blue.
Orchard road will also be filled with art on 35 glass shard panels from ION to Mandarin Gallery into expressions of water inspired by their personal narratives and memories of the Singapore Water Story.
On a larger scale with company support we can create a larger impact by giving back to the underprivileged who have a lack of access to clean, drinking water. Children are falling sick and dying due to sanitation problems in 3rd world countries. We suggest offering a full kit of water-Sanitation-Hygiene solution for each household. Visit us at our website to find out more!
