March 22 is World Water Day! This year’s theme, ‘Water for Peace,’ focuses on the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world. Water is our most precious resource. When it is scarce or polluted, or people have unequal access, tensions rise between communities and countries. It is our kuleana to protect the waters in and around Hawaii to ensure a bright future for those of us living today and for generations to come.
To promote water conservation and peace, try to implement the following actions:
- Take shorter showers
- Don’t let the tap run when brushing your teeth, doing the dishes or preparing food
- Buy local, seasonal food that has been made with less water
- Find out where your water comes from and how it is shared
- Plant a tree or create a rain garden. Using native plants and xeriscaping can help conserve water and filter pollutants.
- Fix leaking water and waste pipes
- Empty full septic tanks and report dumping of sludge
- Don’t put food waste, oils, medicines or other chemicals down the toilet or drain. Not only can these items damage your pipes, any leaks can cause ground water to become contaminated.
- Take part in beach, wetland and river cleanups
Hawaii’s fresh water supply depends on the water cycle, which refers to the crucial interaction between ocean water, evaporation, trade winds, and precipitation that moves water from the ocean to land and back. Stormwater picks up anything it passes—from animal waste to chemicals. When these kinds of things end up in our waterways, there is a chance that they might impact our sources of drinking water. We must ensure our storm drains are clear to promote proper drainage and clean water. By maintaining clean storm drains and clean water, we are all doing our part to create a safe and healthy environment for local anaimals and ourselves. To learn more, visit our blog about The Water Cycle or The Seven Biggest Pollutants in Our Waterways.
Sources: United Nations – World Water Day, Board of Water Supply