World Water Monitoring Day
INTRODUCTION
Many people are unaware of the impact their behaviors have on water quality. Conducting simple monitoring tests teaches participants about some of the most common indicators of water health, and, encourages participation in formal citizen monitoring efforts. World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) is an internationally recognized educational outreach program initiated by America's Clean Water Foundation in the year 2003 with a prime objective of creating awareness amongst the public to protect their local water resources. The key goal is to educate and engage citizens everywhere in the protection of their local water resources.
WORLD WATER MONITORING DAY: PROTECT LOCAL WATER BODIES
World Water Monitoring Day™ (WWMD) builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to monitor their local water bodies. It sensitizes and encourages citizen participation in carrying out basic water quality monitoring tests, and thus become more aware about their water quality indicators.
It is officially celebrated on September 18 every year. In 2009, the program introduced an extended monitoring period from March 22 until December 31, in order to accommodate monitoring exercises at other times during the year. In recognition of this extended timeframe, and to promote year-round involvement, World Water Monitoring Day is also known as the World Water Monitoring Challenge. In January 2015, the management of World Water Monitoring Day was transferred - to the educational non-profit EarthEcho International.
Goa's River Resources
Terekhol, Chapora, Baga, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal, Saleri, Talpona and Galgibag are the major rivers of Goa that act as a backbone of the Goan economy because they aid in irrigation facilities, agriculture and coastal resources, offshore transportation, recreational activities like water sports, casinos and so on.
However, studies have shown that the discharge of sewage has been reported as one of the major sources for pollution of rivers in Goa. Goa's two major rivers namely Zuari and Mandovi are facing the brunt of contamination with bacterial coliform. Seawaters along the Indian coasts are classified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as fit for commercial fishing, contact recreation and bathing activities when the faecal coliform (FC) count is 100 CFU/100 ml. However, the FC level exceeds this limit in certain locations and studies have shown high counts in both, the Mandovi and Zuari Rivers, particularly, during the monsoons due to increased land runoff. Increased urbanization, industrialization, tourism etc. are other activities exerting immense pressures on our local water bodies and their ecosystems.
Pollution of our rivers is thus resulting in the alteration of the physical, chemical and biological quality of water. Consumption of such polluted water often has health implications in not just humans, but also poses great threat to the birds, animals and aquatic lives, and its time we all take concerted action regarding this!
LEARN & ACT
• Learn more about the WWMD by watching the promotional & instructional video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch7vs3wL-efQTJZE
• The Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA) coordinate WWMD internationally.
• Join the Program at:
https: //www.facebook.com/WorldWater MonitoringChallenge/
DEFINITION OF WATER POLLUTION
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in 1974, defines water pollution as contamination of water; alteration of the physical, chemical or biological properties of water; and discharge of any sewage or trade effluent or any other liquid, gaseous or solid substance into water (whether directly or indirectly) which may, or is likely to, create a nuisance or render such water harmful or injurious to public health or safety, or to domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural or other legitimate uses, or to the life and health of animals or plants or of aquatic organisms.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Of all the water present on the planet, 97% is saltwater and 2% is ice. Only 1% is fresh water. Of this 1%-95% is present as groundwater, 2% as soil moisture, with only 3% present in lakes and rivers for use!!
• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was first passed in the year 1974 by Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) to help prevention and control of water pollution, and also to maintain and restore the water in the country.
WATER WISE
WATER IS A SCARCE RESOURCE, THINK BEFORE YOU WASTE IT.
• Regularly monitor tanks/pipes/taps to ensure that there is no leakage
• Every time you turn on the tap, use the lowest pressure necessary
• Use only as much water as you require
• Turn off the taps when not in use
ADOPT A LOCAL WATER BODY AND PROTECT IT.
• Ensure it is pollution free so as to maintain good water quality
• Protect and conserve aquatic ecosystems