World Water Day falls on March 22, 2025, celebrating the vital role of water across the globe. This year’s theme focuses on glacier preservation, highlighting their importance in the water cycle. Due to climate change, glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, disrupting water flow, and posing serious challenges for both people and the planet. In 2023, glaciers lost more than 600 gigatons of water, the largest mass loss registered in 50 years. Increased glacier melting contributes significantly to global sea-level rise, with today’s sea level about 20 cm higher than in 1900. We all must work together to mitigate and adapt to climate change and manage meltwater more sustainably.
To learn more about the impact of shrinking glaciers on the global water supply, visit the United Nations website.
While nearly 2 billion people around the world rely on water from glaciers and snow melt, here in Victoria we are fortunate to rely on rain water from the Sooke Lake Reservoir, which is not glacier fed but instead relies on rain water. We use a multiple barrier approach to protect water quality within the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area. This means we professionally design systems to protect water at the source, carefully managing water treatment and distribution, and closely monitoring water quality. Today, the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area has expanded to over 200 square kilometres of protected, forested land and supplies water to over 400,000 residents in Greater Victoria.
Water conservation is critical to maintaining a long-term supply of drinkable water. The winter rainfall captured in the Sooke Lake Reservoir must last through the region’s dry summer months. Our region relies on this water for drinking, protection against wildfire events and droughts, watering food plants, and supporting vital habitats for many endangered species. With our growing population and a changing climate, being water wise is one of many steps to ensure a vibrant and healthy region. Small changes in the way you use water can add up over time. Adopting waterwise habits outdoors and indoors can help you save water at home. Learn more on our water conservation webpage.
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate World Water Day, you can bring your friends and family to the FREE Watershed Tours happening in May and June. You will learn more about local water systems and how the CRD is protecting them against climate change.
