World Water Week 2011

World Water Week, starts on Sunday, March 20 and runs through Saturday, March 26, 2011. This event seeks to improve the relationship between people and water through conservation and local action addressing equal access for all global citizens.

Unclean water is a leading source of child mortality. A variety of events are taking place around the world to commemorate the event and help secure clean water for everyone. Thousands of restaurants across America will participate in the UNICEF Tap Project during World Water Week 2011. Patrons are asked to donate $1 for the tap water they normally receive for free.

As reported in The Business Journal, participants in the Tap Project include a handful of Milwaukee restaurants (eg; Wicked Hop, and Sala da Pranzo). Dozens of Washington, DC restaurants will also participate. Click here for a full list of participating restaurants.

Since its inception in 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project has raised nearly $2.5 million in the U.S. and has helped provide clean water to millions of children around the world, according to a news release from UNICEF. Over the past 16 years, more than a billion people gained access to improved drinking water and sanitation facilities thanks to UNICEF’s help.

Seattle schools are also getting involved with World Water Week by hosting speakers and engaging workshops for students, teachers and the community. Political leaders, indiginous people and non-profit organizations will also be in attendence.

On Monday, March 21st, there will be a water resource fair andRobert Glennon will deliver the keynote speech. Glennon is a professor of law and public policy at the University of Arizona and is the author of the bestselling book, Unquenchable: America’s Water Crisis and What to do about it. His talk will be preceded by personalized video message from Alexandra Cousteau, famed global water activist and filmmaker. This event is free and open to the public.

© 2011, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.