World Water Day, held every March 22, is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of water and sustainable development and offers the opportunity to reflect on challenges met, and those that lie ahead.

Harnessing Wastewater

This year’s UN-designated theme is wastewater, 80 percent of which goes back into the environment untreated and unused. If properly utilized, wastewater holds great potential for sustainable development as a source of energy, water reuse, agricultural nutrients, and other resources. Increasing water supply, improving sanitation, and harnessing wastewater unleashes the economic potential of individuals and entire communities.

USAID and its partners are reducing the number of people facing water insecurity and suffering from water-related diseases by investing in the infrastructure and technological advances that result in improved wastewater treatment and management. In honor of World Water Day, take a quick trip around the world to see how USAID is Treating Wastewater as a Resource.

Celebrate Global Progress Using #WorldWaterDay

Please show your support for treating wastewater as a resource by posting on social media using the hashtag #WorldWaterDay and tell us how your community is managing wastewater.

Follow the latest news and updates about World Water Day 2017 on @USAIDWater and check out relevant USAID stories on Global Waters on Medium.

Learn More:

• Water and Sanitation
• Global Health
• U.S. Feed the Future Initiative
• Ending Extreme Poverty