World Water Day

World Water Day is observed internationally on 22 March each year to raise awareness of the importance of water for life, food security, health and economic development. Declared by the United Nations, this day aims to generate awareness about the sustainable management of water resources and water conservation. World Water Day is organized to emphasize water’s vital importance for people and ecosystems, draw attention to the plight of individuals without access to clean water, and promote conscious water use.

History

The concept of World Water Day emerged during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992. In December of the same year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/193, which designated 22 March as World Water Day to be observed annually. Since 1993, celebrations have expanded globally, with events organized to increase public awareness about water conservation and protection.

The Importance of Water

Water is an irreplaceable resource fundamental to life. Although approximately 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, 97.5 percent of it is saltwater, and only 2.5 percent is freshwater. Of this, just 1.2 percent is accessible for human use. Water is essential for numerous functions including regulation of metabolic processes in living organisms, functioning of cells and tissues, transport and excretion of waste products, joint lubrication, body temperature regulation and protection of delicate tissues. The human body consists of 50 to 70 percent water, and survival without water is possible for only a few days. Water also forms the foundation of ecosystem sustainability and underpins agricultural production, energy generation and industrial activities.

World Water Day Themes

Each year, World Water Day is observed under themes determined by the United Nations (UN). The theme for 2023 was “Accelerating Change”, highlighting the role of individuals, communities and institutions in raising awareness and taking action in water management. The theme for 2025 is “Protecting Glaciers”. This theme draws attention to how melting glaciers alter water flows, increase risks such as floods, droughts, landslides and sea level rise, and impact ecosystems.

Global Activities and Initiatives

World Water Day is marked globally through campaigns, reports and awareness events. The United Nations and UN-Water are responsible for organizing these celebrations and determining the annual theme. Activities aim to educate the public on the importance of water, the global water crisis, climate change and sustainable water management. In 2025, under the theme of protecting glaciers, emphasis has been placed on the fact that melting glaciers are critical freshwater reservoirs essential for life, and that safeguarding these reservoirs is a priority strategy in combating climate change. Globally, individuals, communities, corporations and governments are encouraged to develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and manage water flows resulting from glacier melt in a more sustainable manner.

Activities and Initiatives in Türkiye

In Türkiye, various awareness and educational programs are organized within the framework of World Water Day. The “Hamidiye Water and Our Health Education” event, jointly held by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Directorate of Health, Directorate of Social Services and Hamidiye Water, addressed the effects of water on the human body, the importance of water for nutrition and health, and ways to encourage children to value water. Experts explained the effects of proper water consumption on metabolism, kidneys, the brain and overall health. During Ramadan, participants were also provided with recommendations on water consumption and balanced nutrition. Activities in Türkiye aim to promote water-saving practices, encourage individuals to review their daily water consumption habits and raise public awareness.

Water Conservation and Sustainable Use

Water is a limited and irreplaceable resource. Water conservation is a fundamental strategy to prevent impending shortages and protect existing resources. Individuals can reduce water consumption by turning off taps while brushing teeth or shaving, checking for leaks in toilets and faucets, using washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded, irrigating gardens during appropriate hours and harvesting rainwater. Conscious and sustainable water use is vital for both individual health and the preservation of ecosystems.

World Water Day and Water Conservation Practices in Türkiye

Under the framework of World Water Day, Türkiye has highlighted the importance of protecting water resources and promoting efficient use. In this context, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has informed the public about regulations concerning sustainable water management and conservation. Public statements have explained the operation of rainwater and greywater systems, emphasizing that these systems can save millions of cubic meters of water annually. The significance of water for our future is a central objective of these regulations.

According to regulations prepared by the General Directorate of Professional Services under the Ministry, starting on 1 January 2026, the installation of rainwater harvesting systems will be mandatory in certain types and sizes of private and public buildings. These systems will be required in properties with a plot area exceeding 2,000 square meters and a storage capacity above 7 cubic meters, as well as in private and public buildings with a roof footprint exceeding 1,000 square meters. The collected rainwater will be used for garden irrigation and toilet flushing. This initiative aims to achieve an annual average water savings of 6.2 million cubic meters in buildings.

By combining rainwater and greywater systems, a water savings equivalent to the volume of Mogan Lake is targeted within 1.5 years. The regulation does not require retrofitting existing buildings with these systems prior to its enforcement. These measures are regarded as a significant step toward enhancing sustainable water use and increasing water conservation in Türkiye.

Greywater Systems

Greywater systems involve treating wastewater from showers, bathtubs and handwashing sinks for reuse exclusively in toilet flushing. These systems will be mandatory in Türkiye in accommodation facilities with more than 200 beds, shopping centers with a construction area exceeding 10,000 square meters and public buildings exceeding 30,000 square meters. It is estimated that greywater systems will enable an annual water saving of approximately 4 million cubic meters.