HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-16-2021; 4-b - World Water Day Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 16, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-b
SUBJECT: World Water Day Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Asset Management Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Brennan Bouma, (919) 245-2626
Wesley Poole, (919) 245-2513
PURPOSE: To proclaim March 22, 2021 as World Water Day in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: In 1992, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted a resolution to
declare the 22nd of March each year as "World Day for Water." In observing World Water Day,
governments are invited to devote the Day to the promotion of public awareness, focusing
attention on the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of freshwater
resources.
This year, according to the UN, the theme for World Water Day is "Valuing Water," with the aim
of generating a global, public conversation about how people value water for all its uses and in
different contexts so to better safeguard this precious resource for everyone.
On World Water Day itself, the annual UN World Water Development Report will be released,
focusing on the same topic as the campaign and recommending policy direction to decision
makers. The report released last year on World Water Day 2020 provided data and
recommendations under the theme of "Water and Climate Change."
Upcoming activities related to World Water Day include "Groundwater Awareness Week,"
occurring March 7t"through 13t"
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their
dependents.
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Safe and abundant water is a critical component to preserving and growing the County's
economy.
• GOAL: ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE LAND-USE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes
and educational levels with respect to the development and enforcement of environmental
laws, regulations, policies, and decisions. Fair treatment means that no group of people
should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences
resulting from industrial, governmental and commercial operations or policies.
Celebrating World Water Day helps to acknowledge the various ways that Orange County
residents value water in cultural groups, industries, and domestic lives, leading to a more
complete understanding of water's importance and the need to preserve equitable access to it.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The following Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impacts are applicable to this item:
• RESULTANT IMPACT ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND AIR QUALITY
Assess and where possible mitigate adverse impacts created to the natural resources of
the site and adjoining area. Minimize production of greenhouse gases.
Celebrating World Water Day shows support for minimizing impacts on the water supply.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
and authorize the Chair to sign the Proclamation on behalf of the Board.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORLD WATER DAY
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the United Nations (UN) has declared March 22nd as World Water Day and
has invited governments around the world to devote the Day to the promotion of public
awareness of the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of
freshwater resources; and
WHEREAS, the intended goal of World Water Day 2021 is to reflect on the various ways
that different people value water around the globe and in Orange County as it relates to
their health, hygiene, dignity, and productivity at home, at work, and in recreation; and
WHEREAS, today, water around the world is under extreme threat from a growing
population, increasing demands of agriculture and industry, and the worsening impacts
of climate change; and
WHEREAS, according to UN estimates, 2.2 billion people around the world are living
without access to safe water; and
WHEREAS, climate change is and will continue to strain the availability, quality, and
quantity of water for the basic human needs of potentially billions of people; and
WHEREAS, the UN Sustainable Development Goals provide the clear goal of providing
safe water and sanitation for all people by 2030; and
WHEREAS, the United States uses 82.3 billion gallons per day of fresh groundwater for
public supply, private supply, irrigation, livestock, manufacturing, mining, thermoelectric
power, and other purposes, according to the U.S. Geological Survey; and
WHEREAS, water use has a direct link to overall monthly housing affordability when
considering that ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day,
according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and
WHEREAS, Orange County recognizes that water and sanitation measures are key to
poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability; and
WHEREAS, people around the world and in Orange County value water for its cultural,
religious and spiritual meanings; and
WHEREAS, Orange County serves as the headwaters for three of the major NC river
systems — the Cape Fear, the Neuse and the Roanoke; and
WHEREAS, the County contains 15 different watersheds, 10 of which are used
downstream for drinking water; and
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WHEREAS, Orange County has been working for decades to monitor and preserve water
quality and quantity for residents though programs such as the Groundwater Observation
Well Network and policies such as the Critical Watershed Protection Overlay Districts;
and
WHEREAS, dedicated community organizations such as the Triangle Women's
International League for Peace and Freedom understand the critical value of water and
work to support water preservation and protection in an effort to make water accessible
to all; and
WHEREAS, Orange County residents are helping to protect water quality and quantity by
practicing and supporting responsible agricultural practices, wetland protection and
restoration, and innovative wastewater management and reuse programs;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do proclaim
March 22, 2021 as "World Water Day" in Orange County and challenge residents to
celebrate the Day by sharing with each other the ways in which they value water.
THIS THE 16th DAY OF MARCH, 2021.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners