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Environment and Conservation March 22, 2007 Today Marks World Water Day Coping with Water Scarcity is the theme for World Water Day 2007. This year's theme highlights the increasing significance of water scarcity worldwide and the need for increased integration and cooperation to ensure sustainable, efficient and equitable management of scarce water resources, both at international and local levels. "Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are fortunate to have an abundant quantity of good quality water however we must work hard to ensure its sustainability for our present and future generations," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "To coincide with the World Water Day, my department also organized its annual drinking water safety workshop in Gander." This annual event is a part of government�s multi-barrier strategic action plan for drinking water safety and is attended by over 250 participants representing municipalities and government departments. The minister noted the workshop is one of the many initiatives undertaken by the department to strengthen the knowledge base of municipalities and their water system operators. "It is essential that water system operators have both the required understanding and training to properly operate the drinking water systems we all depend on." Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province that directly undertakes drinking water quality monitoring of all its public water supplies. Annually, the departments of Environment and Conservation, Municipal Affairs, Health and Community Services, and Government Services together spend over $31 million on infrastructure upgrades and drinking water safety. "Securing our drinking water and ensuring drinking water safety is a priority. This government is taking the necessary steps to provide reliable access to good quality water for the people of this province," said Minister Jackman. The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in December 1992 that declared March 22 as World Water Day. It was first observed in 1993, in conformity with the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). Countries were invited to devote the day to activities such as the promotion of public awareness through the publication and distribution of documentaries and the organization of conferences, round tables, seminars and expositions related to the conservation and development of water resources and the implementation of the recommendations.
- 30 - Media contact: 2007 03 22
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