What is World Water Day?
World Water Day is an official United Nations day, observed since 1993. Its purpose is to highlight the importance of water and raise awareness of the need to provide safe access to this resource. World Water Day supports the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Each year, World Water Day focuses on a different theme. This year, the theme is: “Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible.” This theme highlights the importance of groundwater, which makes up the vast majority of the world’s freshwater reserves. Groundwater will play a crucial role in our adaptation to climate change, especially in areas experiencing drought. Currently, most of the world’s arid regions depend entirely on groundwater.
We must pay more attention to this resource and protect it. It is important to take action to reduce and eliminate pollutants that reach the soil and could, in the case of Puerto Rico, seep into the island's aquifers. This objective aligns with actions that Estuario has taken within the San Juan Bay estuary watershed, for example:
Water quality monitoring
Through various initiatives, we maintain constant monitoring of the water quality of our ecosystem and measure the success of the implementation of our Comprehensive Management and Conservation Plan.
Sanitary Discharge Detection and Elimination Team (IDDE Task Force)
A multi-sector group dedicated to identifying and correcting discharges of untreated wastewater and other sources of pollution in the estuary watershed. This group collaborates with state, federal, and municipal agencies.
Citizen Scientist Certification
The focus of the Citizens Scientist Certification is to promote the personal and social growth of participants, establishing sustainable links between individuals, groups and institutions, while addressing the complex and interdisciplinary nature of environmental protection.
It should not touch the floor or reach the water
An educational campaign focused on conserving our bodies of water through the proper management of solid waste and its diversion from storm drains.
Estuary invites you to raise awareness in your community about the importance of protecting the integrity of our soils and waterways. This will help us maintain safe access to water throughout the island. Join the efforts of conservation organizations in your area or municipality. If you would like to collaborate on the restoration and management of the Estuary, learn more about our volunteer program and how to volunteer here.
