4 things you need to know about groundwater

The human family and our planet all depend on water for our survival. Yet, 2 billion people lack safe water today. To raise awareness about this critical resource, the world comes together every year on 22 March to celebrate World Water Day. This year is all about groundwater - making the invisible, visible. Here are 4 things you need to know about groundwater and the Day:

1. Core focus is to achieve water and sanitation for all 

World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to realize Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. The yearly celebration is coordinated by UN-Water and led by one or more UN-Water Members and Partners.

2. Latest water trends create momentum for change

In the lead-up to 22 March, people and organizations host World Water Day events and participate in the global public campaign, launched in the preceding months on www.worldwaterday.org and on social media. On World Water Day itself, the UN World Water Development Report is released, focusing on the same topic as the campaign and recommending policy direction to decision makers.

3. A hidden treasure that quenches our thirst

Groundwater is invisible, but its impact is visible everywhere. Out of sight, under our feet, groundwater is a hidden treasure that enriches our lives. In the driest parts of the world, it may be the only water people have. Almost all of the liquid freshwater in the world is groundwater, supporting drinking water supplies, sanitation systems, farming, industry and ecosystems.

4. Groundwater plays critical role to adapt to climate change

In many places, human activities over-use and pollute groundwater. In other places, we simply do not know how much water is down there. Groundwater will play a critical role in adapting to climate change. We need to work together to sustainably manage this precious resource. Groundwater may be out of sight, but it must not be out of mind.