World Water Day

"World Water Day, established by the United Nations (U.N.)External in 1993, is observed each year on March 22 to promote the responsible use of water and access to safe water for everyone. Around the world, 2.1 billion people live without safe drinking water at home.

Water is one of the Planet’s most valuable natural resources. Every day, people, animals, and plants depend on water for survival. Water is necessary for growing food, energy production, individual well-being, and global health. This year’s theme, “Leaving No One Behind,” reflects the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal for every person to have access to safe and affordable water.

Waterborne Disease Prevention Around the World

Clean and safe drinking water is essential to human life. Without it, waterborne diseases can spread, sickening and often killing adults and children, who are at higher risk of death. CDC’s Global Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) experts work to improve global access to safe water and proper sanitation, and to promote good hygiene. In addition, CDC works to prevent, detect, and respond to WASH emergencies, including life-threatening outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, and many other infectious diseases. CDC also works closely with other U.S. government agencies, foreign Ministries of Health, non-governmental organizations, U.N. agencies, private companies, and various international agencies to improve WASH conditions and reduce the spread of disease in homes and communities; in schools and healthcare facilities; and across international borders.

The U.N. established a Sustainable Development GoalExternal of improving access to safely managed water and sanitation services. Many people across the globe must rely on sources of drinking water that have been potentially contaminated with fecal matter, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio. According to the U.N., 2.3 billion people still do not have access to a basic sanitation facility, and 892 million people defecate outside because they do not have access to any type of toilet or latrine..."
World water day