About World Water Day
World Water Day is the United Nations observance held every March 22 to highlight the importance of fresh water and to champion the sustainable management of the world's water resources. With billions of people still lacking safe drinking water and sanitation, the day rallies attention to one of the planet's most urgent challenges. This live World Water Day countdown shows the days, hours and minutes left until the next March 22 in your timezone.
The day was proposed at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, and the General Assembly designated March 22 as World Water Day, first observed in 1993. Each year UN-Water sets a theme — from groundwater to glaciers to water and climate — and coordinates campaigns, reports and events. Communities, schools and organisations worldwide mark it with clean-up drives, education and calls to action.
World Water Day falls on March 22 every year, so this page rolls over to the next one as soon as the day passes. Whether you want to learn about the global water crisis or join a local event, bookmark the live World Water Day countdown or add it to your own page to keep the date — and the cause — front of mind.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Monday, March 22, 2027next |
| 2028 | Wednesday, March 22, 2028 |
| 2029 | Thursday, March 22, 2029 |
| 2030 | Friday, March 22, 2030 |
| 2031 | Saturday, March 22, 2031 |
FAQ
When is World Water Day?
World Water Day is observed on March 22 every year. The countdown above shows the days, hours and minutes until the next one in your timezone.
Why is World Water Day important?
It draws global attention to the freshwater crisis — billions still lack safe water and sanitation — and advocates for the sustainable management of water resources.
How is World Water Day marked?
The UN sets an annual theme, and governments, charities, schools and communities hold campaigns, reports, clean-ups and educational events around access to clean water.
When did World Water Day start?
It was proposed at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and designated by the UN General Assembly, with the first World Water Day observed on March 22, 1993.