World Water Day is celebrated on 22 March. This year, the focus is “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible”, a hidden treasure that enriches our lives and that will play a fundamental role in adapting to climate change and meeting the needs of a growing population. We must manage this precious resource in a sustainable way and protect it from pollution.
What is groundwater and why is it important?
Groundwater is the water that occurs below the surface of Earth: they come from the infiltration of rainwater, from the melting of snow layers or from the losses of surface water courses that are housed in the subsoil in permeable geological formations (gravels, sands, fractured rocks), called aquifers.
These waters represent the main source of freshwater on our planet and can be used for different purposes: irrigation, domestic, agricultural, industrial, livestock, hydroelectric and sanitary.
Considering that the waters “imprisoned” in the glaciers are not usable by man, except after melting, the underground ones are an important reservoir of fresh water.
It is estimated that 50% of the drinking water used in the world and over 40% of that used in agriculture derive from groundwater.
A resource to be safeguarded
Despite their importance, groundwater in many areas is often overused (more water is extracted from groundwater than is recharged by rain and snow): we must use these waters in a sustainable way, balancing the needs of people and the planet.
Exploration and detection is also important: in some places we do not know how much groundwater there is under our feet, which means that we may not be able to exploit a potentially vital water resource.
The quality of groundwater is also threatened by industrial discharges, chemical pollutants, plastics that can cause repairable damage over decades or even centuries.
WWD 2022: “Groundwater – Making the invisible visible”
World Water Day, designated by the United Nations in 1992 within the directives of Agenda 21 (result of the Rio Conference), occurs on 22 March and aims to raise awareness of the importance of enhancing and protecting water resources, promoting concrete activities and supporting events around the world.
This year, the activities promoted during World Water Day 2022 are aimed at monitoring groundwater, protecting it from pollution produced by human activities and ensuring its fair exploitation and compatible with the recharge times of the aquifers.
On the occasion of the day, the report “Groundwater: making the invisible visible” will be published, describing the challenges and opportunities associated with the development, management and governance of groundwater.
Measuring the water resource is essential to safeguard it, increasing awareness of consumption.
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For information, do not hesitate to contact our company.