Water, one of the most vital things for the survival of all forms of life including us, human beings, is not readily accessible to everyone. Water is a renewable resource but due to over population, poor management, over exploitation, lack of storage facilities and conservation and dumping of pollutants, its depleting or not fit for consumption.

1 in 3 people lack access to clean water, mostly in rural areas. At times when the water seems to be clear and clean visibly, it’s not. Due to the lack of cognizance, many people didn’t realize that the water isn’t potable, even the erudite ones.

So, today, on 18th of September, World Water Monitoring Day is celebrated every year, to advertise considerate use of water, to keep resources, and ensuring the supply of potable water where its needed.

World Water Monitoring Day

Water monitoring day is a month-long international effort to disseminate awareness and encourage people to monitor and harbor water resources.

The day is harmonized by the Water Environment Federation and the International Water Association in more than 80 nations.

The purpose of this day is to engage people of all ages in monitoring the condition of local rivers, streams, estuaries and other waterbodies. By using simple monitoring tests and kits, people will learn about some of the most common indicators to analyze water quality without the need to go to a laboratory for complex and expensive tests. Furthermore, to educate people about significance of water monitoring.

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Aims of Water monitoring

Water monitoring can be defined as  analysis of water quality done periodically  in established points,  processing the data collected and outlook trends to take actions required to stop and for remediation of adverse anthropogenic impact on the aquatic environment. In other words, the aim of water monitoring is:

Ø  To know what’s really in our water-from minerals to harmful chemicals, and microorganisms.

Ø  To identify and stop pollution, if there is any, and take protective actions.

Ø  To sustainably maintain water supplies and resources to ensure its potability for all means.

Ø  To meet and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030;  ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

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Why it matters?

The water resources are depleting due to climate change, melting of glaciers, low rainfall, and water pollution. The world is already facing water scarcity and shortage of potable water. According to the statistics:

Ø  3 in 10 people are unable to have safely managed drinking water services.

Ø  Over 40 per cent of the global population is facing water scarcity and its increasing.

Ø  Over 1.7 billion people living in river basins are using water more than that’s replenished.

Ø  More than 80 per cent of wastewater is being dumped into rivers or sea without any pollution removal

Ø  Everyday, over 800 children, under the age of 5, die from diarrhea due to contaminated water and poor hygiene.

Water scarcity is already on the rise, but by protecting remaining water resources through monitoring the water quality for taking immediate actions in case of any threat to the water resource, it can be reduced, and this will be beneficial for human health and for ecosystems and their inhabitants as well. So, keep track of the water quality of your surrounding because “it’s better late, than never”.

About the Author: Syeda Fatima Noor is a food technologist and an environmental enthusiast. She likes to keep on adding experiences in her life from different fields. She runs a Facebook group "Earth savers" playing her part in spreading awareness and encouraging people to go green for our Earth. She has a keen interest in learning new things and searching for answers.