There’s nothing to get you out of that winter funk than a reason to celebrate! Thinking about water conservation and pollution prevent is something we do every day, but throughout the year we can take time to recognize some special water related celebrations.
During these times, its good to share with family, friends, or customers ways to protect our water resources and how everyone in the community can play a part. From scientific to policy to community celebrations – there’s something for everyone year round.
January
January 7 – Old Rock Day: What exactly do rocks have to do with drinking water? You guessed it – we’re talking about underground rock. Some of our drinking water comes from underground resources such as aquifers, which behave differently depending on the composition of rock and soil for the water to travel through. Now is a good time to learn about water traveling underground and how rock impacts its flow!
February
February 2 – World Wetlands Day: Wetlands are a lesser know water feature of our ecosystem. Wetland areas naturally collect and store water which can help reduce flooding and recharge groundwater resources. Wetlands are also known as the kidneys of the ecosystem, helping to purify water. This is a great day to learn about Wetland policy in Indiana!
Mid – Late February – Engineer Week: Show your appreciation this week for all the engineers who make water delivery happen, clean up polluted areas, and design important structures such as levees and dams to help keep us safe.
March
2nd Week of March – Groundwater Awareness Week: This annual observance highlights the responsible development, management, and use of groundwater, an important drinking water resources in many communities including Marion County, Indiana. It’s also a time to remember to test, tend, and treat your private water well. During March the National Groundwater Association also hosts a ‘fly-in’ to Washington DC to speak and advocate for groundwater protection policies.
Mid March – Fix a Leak Week: There are many places leaks can happen both inside and outside your home or business. The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. During this week, become a leak detective to conserve both water and your pocketbook.
March 22 – World Water Day: Globally, unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene are responsible for the deaths of around 1,000 children under five every day. (WHO, 2023) This is a day to take action to ensure safe drinking water for all, including advocating equal opportunities for women – who make up the majority of people in many countries who collect, clean, and use water – to take part in decision making about water management and safety issues.
April
April 22 (and month long) – Earth Day / Month: Probably the most well-known worldwide celebration to promote all issues related to the Earth our common home. What better way to celebrate and promote protection of our global and local water resources.
Mid April – Water Week: Hosted by several water sector organizations – Water Week is a chance to gather in Washington DC for policy meetings, speakers, and networking to discuss all issues water including water infrastructure, improved affordability programs, science-based regulatory decision-making, and continued support for innovation and research.
May
First week in May – Drinking Water Week: Learn more about where your water comes from and how its delivered to your home or business during Drinking Water Week. Look for signs in Marion County to designate that you are in a Drinking Water Protection Area or find your location on the map!
May 22 – International Day for Biodiversity: Biodiversity on our planet depends on water. It’s not just humans that are impacted by pollution – the water that sustains other life needs our care too. Take time today to go outside and look around at the many species of plants and animals in your community.
June
June 5 – World Environment Day: Tune in events, campaigns, and creative actions for the earth and our water resources during World Environment Day. Each year, professionals and local communities gather to rally the world around the urgency of climate action and make plans to secure a safer, healthier, and more just future for all.
June 6 – National Fishing and Boating Week: Connect with your friends and family for a day out on the water. Find tips on how to ensure your day of water recreation is also a day of keeping our water ecosystems safe.
June 8 – World Oceans Day: While we don’t have a chance to interact with our world’s oceans in Indiana, its still important to celebrate all that the oceans around the world give us: from food to livelihood to recreation.
June 17 – World Day to Combat Desertification: It’s not just lack of rain that can lead to desertification. Poor farming practicing and water management can lead to the degradation of land. Today, find out what you can do on your land but and also participate in action around the world.
June 29 – International Mud Day: There’s nothing like finding something fun to create with water! Get your hands wet and go outside to play, sculpt, and dig into water.
July
Month long – Smart Irrigation Month: As we head into the full swing of summer, take time to learn about the 4 R’s of smart irrigation: Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place. Make your plan now to find native plants that require less watering too!
August
Month long – National Water Quality Month: Water in the US wasn’t always clean – or required to be. During this month, learn more about the history of US water regulation and how you can be a part of protecting our water resources for generations to come.
September
Mid September – Pollution Prevention Week: gear up for an important week of pollution prevention (P2) activities around the country. Sponsored by the EPA, P2 Week is a time to learn about the importance of P2 and the efforts that P2 practitioners do to help reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, conserve natural resources and reduce cleanup and financial costs for communities.
Late September – Source Water Protection Week: While it’s hard to pick a favorite celebration – this could be it! MCWEC’s mission is source water protection, specifically of our groundwater resources. This week think of ways you can keep our rivers, lakes, and aquifers free from pollution.
October
Mid October – Earth Science Week: A great time to delve into Earth Science Careers with young people in your community. There are many Earth Science careers related to all aspects of water: pollution prevention, water purification, habitat management and more!
November
November 15 – America Recycles Day: What does recycling have to do with protecting our water resources? The more we recycle into new products, the less we have out as trash, both on the street and in the landfills. Improperly management landfills with household hazardous waste have the potential to impact groundwater resources. Check out Indianapolis’ free household hazardous waste ToxDrop!
December
Early December – Groundwater Week: There’s plenty to celebrate each year during Groundwater Week. Follow the fun as groundwater professionals from around the country convene for days of networking, presentations, and technology demonstrations.
It’s a good time to remember…groundwater is our drinking water – let’s protect it year-round!
