Over two decades ago, March 22nd was declared World Hunger Day. This came after the United Nations emphasized the importance of having clean, fresh water, and how it is increasingly becoming a scarcity in today’s world.
Ever since, this special day stands to remind everyone about the planet’s most important compound. In honor of World Water Day, here are some interesting facts about water:
- The majority of earth’s surface (70-75 percent) is covered in water.
- Rapidly drinking too much water can actually cause water intoxication, which can occur during times of rigorous athletic training.
- Earth’s underground aquifers actually store more clean water than that found on the surface.
- Water makes up about 80% of a baby’s weight at their time of birth.
- When you exercise and quickly lose weight, the weight that’s lost isn’t fat—it’s water.
- Approximately 2 billion people in the world drink unclean, hazardous water.
- Having safe water and cleanliness can prevent over 5% of child deaths.
- About 10-25 gallons of water are consumed in an average five-minute shower.
- The average American uses approximately 100 gallons of water on a daily basis, whereas the average European uses 50 gallons a day.
- To manufacture a new car, it takes about an additional 40,000 gallons of water.
Start Saving Water Today
There are so many different things you can do to help preserve the world’s water. You can start by:
- Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
- Using full loads of laundry at once, so you can use the washing machine less.
- Use water-efficient fixtures around your home.
- Use a watering can instead of a hose when watering garden plants.
- Take shorter showers instead of taking long baths.
Sources:
“20 Interesting and Useful Water Facts.” AllAboutWater.org. AllAboutWater.org, n.d. Web. <http://www.allaboutwater.org/water-facts.html>.
Breyer, Melissa. “36 Eye-opening Facts about Water.” TreeHugger. TreeHugger, 19 Mar. 2015. Web. <http://www.treehugger.com/clean-water/36-eye-opening-facts-about-water.html>.
“World Water Day 2015.” Action Against Hunger. World Water Day 2015, n.d. Web. <http://www.actionagainsthunger.org/world-water-day-2015?gclid=CI2Eg4qT38oCFQsnHwodhNkENw>.