Every year, World Water Day is a great reminder of our purpose at DuPont Water Solutions. A reminder of the immense value of water. So that we can use is responsibly and ensure its access to all. This year’s theme is focused on the often-hidden value of groundwater.

As water experts, we’ve always valued water and make it our purpose to find new and better ways to purify, conserve and reuse water—including groundwater resources.

It is no secret that fresh water supplies are under pressure almost everywhere—especially as a direct result of climate change.

Yet, we are optimistic about the water future. We see a clear path to a future where all of the 7.8 billion people on this planet have access to safe, clean drinking water every day. A future where industry has the necessary water to make the products on which we rely — increasing industrial output through water reuse and conservation and raw material recovery. A future where we optimize the circular nature of water and not a drop is wasted.

We call this a Water-Optimized World.

And groundwater will be an important part of this Water-Optimized World, as much of the liquid freshwater on our planet is groundwater. While groundwater is often out of sight and under our feet, it should never be out of mind.

No one team will be able to solve this challenge alone — it will take a collaborative approach across companies, sectors and borders in order to shape a water future that sustainably manages this precious resource of groundwater.

For example, in celebration of World Water Day, we have announced a partnership with Kusini Water, the City of Mbombela Municipality and the U.S. Embassy on a new project that will leverage solar power to extract and purify groundwater in the rural community of Cairn site farm in South Africa. The new multi-technology water treatment plant will soon supply safe and clean drinking water for 500 households that currently lack access to an adequate water supply.

Collaborations like these start with conversations — conversations like those catalyzed by World Water Day. By celebrating the value of groundwater, we can identify ways to safeguard it effectively for everyone.

So let’s talk about groundwater and what it means to us. We hope that you will use and share this Toolkit for additional ways to celebrate World Water Day.   

Because the stories are life changing. We’ve seen it firsthand. In a community where a closed borehole was made safe and revived. In a community who found an innovative way to replenish their groundwater. And in a community that started sustainably recycling its groundwater for energy use to save 30 million gallons of drinking water a year.

For us, groundwater water means possibilities and hope. What does groundwater mean to you?

Happy World Water Day!