March 22: World Water Day

Céline Arétin, culture, women's issues and ecology correspondent, March 22, 2025

Goals of World Water Day

World Water Day was established in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly following the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of freshwater and promote the sustainable management of this resource.

Main Threats to Water Resources

Industrial pollution is one of the leading threats to water resources. In Indonesia, the Citarum River is saturated with toxic waste from textile factories, making the water unfit for consumption and harmful to ecosystems. Intensive agriculture also contributes heavily to the degradation of water resources: in Brittany, excess nitrates from fertilizers cause green tides along the coast, suffocating marine wildlife. Deforestation, particularly in the Amazon, worsens the situation by reducing the soil's ability to retain water, which increases the risk of flooding. Oil spills are another threat: the oil slick caused by the sinking of the Exxon Valdez in Alaska in 1989 badly damaged aquatic ecosystems, as did the Erika spill in 1999, which affected more than 400 kilometers of French coastline. Plastic pollution is also a problem in the Pacific, where the "plastic continent" stretches over more than 1.6 million km², releasing microplastics that enter the food chain. Finally, in some developing regions, untreated wastewater discharged directly into rivers spreads waterborne diseases such as cholera.

Actions Everyone Can Take to Save Water

Taking short showers instead of baths can save up to 150 liters of water a day. Installing aerators on faucets reduces flow, saving around 50% of water. Using an efficient dishwasher uses far less water than prolonged hand-washing, especially when the appliance is run at full capacity. In the garden, watering early in the morning or late in the evening limits evaporation, while collecting rainwater in tanks allows plants to be watered for free. Finally, using water-efficient appliances, such as A+++ rated washing machines, helps reduce consumption without extra effort.