Happy World Water Day!!!  In case you did not know, International World Water Day is on March 22nd each year.  This is a day to bring awareness on the importance of freshwater as well as sustainable management of freshwater resources.

Currently, I am cruising on the Coral Sea towards the Great Barrier Reef.  I am surrounded by water.  It’s everywhere I look.  In fact, some days cruising at sea causes the inability to view any land in the distance.  Although I am surrounded by fantastic blue H2O, none of it is drinkable, as it is salty ocean water.

Growing up in Michigan, surrounded by the Great Lakes which are full of abundant fresh water, I didn’t realize what a treasure truly surrounded me.  The Great Lakes contain roughly 22% of the world’s fresh surface water.  Not everyone has that much fresh water readily accessible.

This years theme for World Water Day is “Shared Water – Shared Opportunities”, with a special focus on transboundary waters.  Through better transboundary water practices we are able to create mutual respect and trust between countries.  Because fresh water sources are a hot commodity, it is important to share and literally keep the peaceful waters flowing.

Although World Water Day occurs only once a year, people are daily facing water crisis all around the world.  So, tonight when you brush your teeth or even the next time you go to the bathroom, be grateful for the water right at your finger tips.  And tell someone what today is, in efforts to spread awareness.  Otherwise it will just get flushed down the toilet and forgotten.

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Tags | Philosophy