HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2021-009 World Water Day Proclamation i
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORLD WATER DAY
PROCLAMATION
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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
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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
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WHEREAS , the UN Sustainable Development Goals provide the clear goal of providing
safe water and sanitation for all people by 2030 ; and
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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 4'
work to support water preservation and protection in an effort to make water accessible
to all ; and
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WHEREAS , Orange County residents are helping to protect water quality and quantity by
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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
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