District Launches Water Projects Grant Program

Posted by Edwin Velarde 
on Mar 20, 2015
 
In honor of World Water Day on March 22, Rotary District 5240 and the Rotary District 5240 Charitable Foundation announce the Water Projects Grant Program. Clubs in District 5240 who are engaging in water projects through Global Grants or District Grants can apply for financial assistance to help them aid in the global water crisis. 
 
To learn more, contact Rotary District 5240 Foundation Committee Chair and PDG Luz Maria Ortiz-Smith or Rotary District 5240 Charitable Foundation President Edwin Velarde. 
 
Click Read More to learn more about the state of water in our world. 
 
Water is…
 
... Health. The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water. Water is essential to our survival. 
... Nature. All freshwater ultimately depends on the continued healthy functioning of ecosystems, and recognizing the water cycle is essential to achieving sustainable water management. 
... Urbanization. Antiquated systems waste more freshwater than they deliver. In many fast-growing cities, waste water infrastructure is non-existent, inadequate or outdated.
... Industry. Global water demand for manufacturing is expected to increase by 400% from 2000 to 2050 mainly in emerging economies and developing countries. 
... Energy. Over 80% of power generation is by thermal electricity. Water is heated to create steam to drive electrical generators and billions of gallons of water for cooling. 
... Food. Each American uses 7,500 liters of water per day, mostly for food. One liter of water is needed to irrigate one calorie of food. 
... Equality. In developing nations the responsibility for collecting water every day falls disproportionately on women and girls spending 25% (average) of their day collecting water for their families. www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/learn/en/
 
Water & Sanitation is one of Rotary’s six areas of focus. Many clubs in District 5240 have taken upon themselves to help the Global Water Crisis by developing sustainable projects that provide access to water source, delivery methods, filtration systems, storage facilities and other water and sanitation needs of the underprivileged around the world.  More clubs are planning to engage and/or get involved.