5 ways to celebrate World Water Day

Why does World Water Day matter?

Also known as International Water Day, World Water Day is celebrated annually on 22 March. It's a day to reflect on the importance of global access to clean water and sanitation, and the sustainable use of water. It’s an opportunity to recognise the pivotal role clean water and sanitation play in daily life, supporting economic, social and human development.

Water is essential for life and yet:

• Nearly half the world’s population – 3.6 billion people – lack access to safe sanitation (WHO/UNICEF, 2025)
• More than 1 billion women – over a quarter of all women worldwide – do not have access to safely managed drinking water services (UN Women/UN DESA, 2023)
• Children are especially vulnerable: every day, more than 1,000 children under five die from diseases linked to unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene (UN).
• Every year, 1.4 million people die from causes linked to poor water, sanitation and hygiene, and 74 million lives are shortened as a result (WHO, 2023).

What is the theme for World Water Day 2026?

The official theme for World Water Day 2026 is “Water and Gender.”

This year’s focus highlights the powerful connection between access to clean water and gender equality. In many communities around the world, women and girls are responsible for collecting water. They often walk long distances each day, missing school and facing safety risks along the way.

When communities have reliable access to safe water and sanitation, girls are more likely to stay in school, women have more opportunities to work and lead, and families are healthier overall.

At ChildFund Australia, we see firsthand how improving access to clean water not only protects children from disease, it helps create safer, more equal futures for everyone, particularly girls and women.

Meaningful ways to get involved in World Water Day

This World Water Day, let’s take action to preserve glaciers and make sure every child has access to clean water. Water is a basic human right, and together, we can help protect this vital resource for everyone, especially those who need it most.

To help get you started, we’ve put together five ways that you can make an impact this World Water Day 2025 and beyond.

1. Practice responsible use of water

Take up the challenge to be more mindful of your own water usage. If you find you use a lot of water, try to reduce your usage during your day-to-day routine.

Some suggestions to reduce your water use include:

• Turning off the tap while you brush your teeth
• Using the half flush on the toilet instead of the full when possible
• Taking 2 minute showers
• Making sure your dishwasher is full before turning it on
• Fixing leaking taps and toilets

2. Watch documentaries on water to educate yourself

As World Water Day is focused on raising awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation, one way to gain a better understanding of water-related issues is by watching documentaries. There are a number of high-quality films available, often on YouTube or streaming platforms like Netflix.

Some documentaries we would recommend  include; The World’s Water Crisis, Kenya’s Water Women and A World Without Water. 

3. Raise awareness on social media

Social media is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness. This World Water Day (and all year long!), we encourage you to share news, facts, statistics, videos or stories on your various social media channels to let your network know about the importance of clean water and sanitation, and sustainable water use. The more people that share information on their social channels, the greater the reach.

4. Donate to help those without access to clean water and sanitation

This World Water Day, you can give the gift of clean water and sanitation to those who need it most. Everyone should have the right to access clean water and sanitation around the globe.

ChildFund Australia’s Gifts for Good range is a fantastic initiative for donations this World Water Day. Gifts for Good incorporates a number of water-based gifts that have the power to change lives.

You can help provide children and families overseas with access to clean water and sanitation by donating:

• Hand pump well: With this gift, children no longer have to make long, dangerous journeys on foot to collect water from unreliable, contaminated sources. A hand pump well also offers children the protection from the risk of deadly waterborne diseases.
• Deepwater borehole: Imagine your impact when you give the gift of clean water that a whole school – or even an entire community – can rely upon for years to come.
• Hand washing station: This may seem like a simple gift but it has the power to help everyone in a community improve sanitation and hygiene, and stay healthy all year round.

5. Visit the United Nations World Water Day website

Another way to get informed is to visit the official World Water Day website, which includes an abundance of resources, stories and information on how to become involved with World Water Day. 

Celebrate World Water Day this March

Ready to see how much you've learned – and how you can make a difference? Take our World Water Day Quiz and test your water IQ today!

Whatever your score, let it inspire how you celebrate World Water Day. Do it in an impactful and meaningful way for you and your community, and try one or all of these five tips to mark the day in a way that truly makes a difference for generations to come