March 21, 2014 -- Established in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly, World Water Day (March 22) is an annual, international celebration held to recognize the importance of clean water and raise awareness of the need for sustainable water solutions and resources. According to the Value of Water Coalition, a majority of Americans believe that clean water is of vital importance to the nation -- just 40 percent of Americans think the same of water infrastructure.
The U.S. continues to be the world leader in providing safe and reliable drinking water, though communities across the nation face significant challenges maintaining the infrastructure needed to deliver clean water. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates $650 billion in infrastructure investment needs nationwide over the next 20 years.
In a recent statement, Michael Deane, executive director of the National Association of Water Companies, said, "We're thrilled that four members of the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) -- including Middlesex Water Company, Connecticut Water, York Water Company, and Artesian Water -- will be featured at today’s NASDAQ Closing Bell in honor of World Water Day. For more than two decades, World Water Day has brought much-needed awareness to critical water issues and the NAWC fully supports the United Nations' continued dedication to identifying solutions to the world's most pressing water-related challenges."
"No individual, family, or business can thrive without access to safe, reliable water service -- yet, the United Nations estimates that 780 million people lack access to safe drinking water globally. While Americans have come to expect safe, reliable water service, many are unaware that our nation’s aging infrastructure puts this at risk. These are very real challenges, and private sector investment in water is an essential part of the solution."
See also: "World Water Day 2014: AWWA executive director issues statement about event"
For additional information on World Water Day 2014, visit its Twitter, Facebook or YouTube page.
