Each year on March 22, the United Nations recognizes World Water Day, a global observance focused on the importance of freshwater and the need to protect it.

The day traces back to the UN’s Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and broader global efforts to safeguard natural resources. World Water Day is intended to raise awareness, while pushing governments, communities, and institutions toward sustainable water management.
That focus has never been more urgent.

For much of human history, naturally replenished water supplies were sufficient to meet growing demand. Rivers flowed reliably. Aquifers recharged. Communities expanded around dependable sources of freshwater.

In many regions today, that margin has disappeared.

Across parts of the western United States and around the world, all naturally replenished water supplies are now fully allocated to cities, agriculture, and industry. Prolonged drought and climate warming have intensified the strain, exposing just how vulnerable many water systems have become. When rivers are overdrawn and aquifers depleted, communities face difficult tradeoffs, and ecosystems suffer first.

Healthy freshwater systems are foundational to wildlife habitat, fisheries, agriculture, drinking water, recreation, and local economies.

A Global Perspective on Water Sustainability
Few people have done more to advance practical, science-based water management than Brian Richter.
For more than three decades, Richter has worked at the forefront of global water science and conservation. As President of Sustainable Waters, and former Director of the Global Water Program at The Nature Conservancy, he has dedicated his career to designing strategies for sustainable water use in river basins around the world.

He has consulted on more than 170 water projects globally and advised governments, corporations, and international institutions on managing water scarcity. His research has been cited more than 32,000 times, and he developed the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration, a scientific tool widely used to assess river health and guide restoration.

Richter has testified before the U.S. Congress, advised the United Nations, featured in a BBC documentary with David Attenborough on “How Many People Can Live on Planet Earth?”, and authored influential books including Rivers for Life and Chasing Water: A Guide for Moving from Scarcity to Sustainability. His work bridges science, policy, and practical solutions.

Why This Matters in Virginia
While the most visible water crises are unfolding in the western U.S., water management is not just a western issue. Population growth, development patterns, climate variability, and infrastructure decisions affect watersheds everywhere, including here in Virginia.

Protecting clean water and ensuring sustainable flows in our rivers is essential for wildlife, communities, and future generations.

World Water Day offers an opportunity not just to reflect on global challenges, but to consider what sustainable water stewardship looks like at every scale, from international river basins to the streams and aquifers that sustain our own communities.

In recognition of World Water Day, Wild Virginia is proud to host Chasing Water: Moving from Water Scarcity to Sustainability, led by Brian Richter on Thursday, March 26 at 7 PM. Join us for a discussion about water scarcity, climate pressures, and the solutions that can move us from depletion toward sustainability.
Register here >>