World Water Day is March 22, 2011. International support of Rainwater Harvesting revealed in a joint statement.

Three organizations, the IRHA, the ARCSA and the IRCSA, decided to meet World Water Day 2011 with a Joint Statement, bringing the attention of many to the benefits of Rainwater Harvesting.

JOINT RAINWATER HARVESTING STATEMENT

22 March 2011

T he UN Human Rights Council affirms the human right to safe drinking water.1 Now is the time for the world's governments to contribute to the provision of a regular supply of safe, accessible and affordable drinking water in sufficient quantity for 884 million more people.

On World Water Day 2011, the undersigned organizations wish to strongly advocate for the use of rainwater: it must be considered as an important tool in efforts to minimize the water related problems that already exist.

Rainwater is a valuable resource that is underutilized. Its capture and use can alleviate challenges related to potable, non-potable, storm water and energy.
Local rainwater harvesting solutions enhance water security and provide important relief to households and communities. All around the world, rainwater infiltration, collection and storage offers benefits for the environment, wildlife and humans, and improves water availability for industry and agriculture.
It is time for rainwater catchment to be included in the development plans of all governmental agencies as part of their integrated water resource management strategies.
Introduction of the concept of rainwater management - maximizing rain's benefits as a vital resource while minimizing potential rain hazards - to curricula of technical schools and universities will bring future benefits to urban planning, architectural and agricultural projects.

Signatories

: American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) www.arcsa.org

International Rainwater Harvesting Alliance (IRHA) www.irha-h2o.org

International Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (IRCSA) www.ircsa.org

Rainwater Collection Solutions ~ The Original Rainwater Pillow www.rainwaterpillow.com

Southern and Eastern Africa Rainwater Network (SearNet) http://worldagroforestry.org/projects/searnet

Ingénieurs du Monde www.ingenieursdumonde.org

Safe Water International www.safewaterintl.org

Consortium Across the Community to Harvest Water

University of Arizona www.arizona.edu

Watershed Organisation Trust www.wotr.org

Rain Harvesting Pty Ltd www.rainharvesting.com.au