The annual global observance of International World Water Day (WWD) is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNICED) that was held in Rio de Janeiro.

The Earth’s surface is about 75 percent water, but only a small fraction of the water can be used for household consumption, agriculture, industry, treatment of diseases, and recreational and environment processes. About 1,500 cubic kilometers of wastewater is produced globally every year; in developing
countries, around 80 percent is discharged untreated due to lack of regulations and resources.

Industrial growth and increasing population have contributed new sources of pollution and increased the demand for clean water. About 1.1. billion people continue to rely on unsafe water for drinking and sanitation purposes. World Water Day 2010 organizers have adopted the theme “Communicating Water Quality Challenges and Opportunities.”

The overall goal of this year’s celebration is to raise the profile of water quality on the political level so that water quality considerations are made alongside those of water quantity.

Leading the celebration is the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). As part of the continuing global initiative to focus on water as a valuable domestic and industrial resource, the International Resource Centre (IRC) International Water and Sanitation Centre offers a wide array of documents on the various aspects of water quality such as treatment, health, and technology.

As we mark World Water Day 2010, we brace ourselves for the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. Most parts of the country are already experiencing severe drought, damaging agricultural crops.

Let us put this once-a-year global event into positive long-term, sustained action by being worthy stewards of this valuable resource. Let us do our share in conserving it.