“GROUNDWATER, MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE”
Each year on 22 March, World Water Day draws attention to the importance of freshwater and argues for sustainable management of freshwater resources. This involves addressing the global water crisis in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.
The chemical elements hydrogen and oxygen make up water, a substance that exists in gaseous, liquid, and solid states. Water is one of the most abundant and critical compounds on earth. As a tasteless and odorless liquid at room temperature, it has the remarkable property of dissolving many other substances. Living organisms depend on the versatility of water as a solvent. Living organisms rely on aqueous solutions, such as blood and digestive juices, for biological processes. Life is believed to have originated in the aqueous solutions of the world’s oceans.
Importance of water.
Water is very important in many fields in Uganda for example in Agriculture, to people, etc.
The health of people
- Water boosts energy. It provides essential nutrients to all of our cells, including muscle cells, preventing muscle fatigue.
- Water helps with weight loss. It keeps you full longer without adding any calories to your diet. Water and foods with a high water content can help you lose weight.
- Water aids digestion. Constipation and other abdominal issues can be treated with water, especially for people suffering from IBS. Water aids digestion.
- Water detoxifies. Moves toxins out of your system faster, and optimizes kidney function. Dehydration impairs kidney function.
- Water hydrates skin. Water is the most effective way to prevent wrinkles and aging of the skin.
Agriculture.
According to the World bank “Water is a critical input for agricultural production and plays an important role in food security”. Water in Agriculture has the following uses
- As of now, many people around the world are using irrigation methods to improve the quality of agricultural products hence leading to food security.
- Spraying pests on the plants and insects on the animals.
Water for Livestock
- Drinking water for livestock. To maintain their feed intake, animals need access to a ready water supply that is uncontaminated.
- Animals need water for their healthy development and growth. The quality of end products such as meat and milk depends on the quality of animal feed including water.
Over the years world water day has been celebrated and themes have been created to create awareness all around the world. Below are some of the themes that have been used;
| Years | Theme |
| 2014 | Water and Energy |
| 2015 | Water and Sustainable Development |
| 2016 | Better Water, Better Job |
| 2017 | Why Waste Water? |
| 2018 | Nature for water |
| 2019 | Leaving No One Behind |
| 2020 | Water and Climate Change |
| 2021 | Valuing Water |
The theme of World Water day 2022
“Groundwater, Making the Invisible Visible” is the theme of world water day 2022. Groundwater is water found underground in aquifers which are a geological formation of rocks, sands, and gravels that hold substantial Quantities of water.
It feeds springs, rivers, lakes, and wetlands and leaks into oceans. In the same way, it is recharged mainly from rain and snowfall infiltrating the ground. Groundwater is the largest source of fresh water on earth. Despite it being stored underneath the surface it is often underlooked.
International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) initiated a World Water Day exclusively focused on this resource.
World water day campaign is built around three main groundwater-related topics namely:
First the visible ingredient in the food.
Secondly, a resource without borders.
Thirdly, a finite supply.
In Uganda, 61% of the country’s water is from a groundwater source, accessed from springs and boreholes around Lake Victoria and south-western Uganda. The major water supply in the rural, semi-arid areas in Uganda is from the Groundwater.
Water problems aren’t just about water but it’s a problem of life, environment, and health. It’s about time we rethink how we value water. Every drop matters. Don’t let the pandemic lead us to scarcity. Do the earth a favor and be a water saver this world water day.
Groundwater will become more and more significant as climate change worsens. To sustainably manage this precious resource, we must work together. Despite being out of sight, groundwater must not be forgotten.