By Carolina Kato Yoshida, Sabrina Bueno Rossi, Pierina Guevara Coci

One of the UN’s goals is to ensure the availability of water, its sustainable management, and sanitation for all. Water, despite being the most abundant natural resource on the planet and essential for health, agriculture, industry, and environmental balance, access to it has gradually become much more limited. But why? Despite being a fundamental element, it is affected by its misuse. This resource is greatly threatened by the population, especially in Peru, where its distribution is extremely unequal.

Peru is among the countries with one of the highest percentages of water resources in Latin America. However, within Peru, this wealth is not distributed equitably. According to information from the National Water Authority (ANA), 98% of the available water volume is found in the Amazon region, where only 30% of the population lives. On the other hand, the Peruvian coast, which is home to 70% of the population, has a total of 2% of Peru’s water resources.

This unbalanced distribution, coupled with uncontrolled urban growth, the constant pollution of water sources, and the effects of climate change have generated serious problems in the management of this natural resource. This «national» crisis, which is not being reported to the rest of the country, requires not only public investment and effective policies, but also a change in citizens’ daily habits and customs, which are deeply rooted in their upbringing.

Using water responsibly has several meanings: closing pipes properly, fixing leaks, reusing water (like the water we use to wash fruit and then water plants), and teaching others to do the same. It’s also important not to pollute rivers and streams, as this affects water quality for everyone. We can:

1. Turn off the taps properly. It may seem like a small detail, one we don’t give the necessary importance to on a daily basis. But in reality every time we let the water run while brushing our teeth, taking a shower, washing our hands, or washing dishes, we are wasting an extremely valuable resource necessary for a dignified life. That’s why we must understand that a simple gesture like turning off the tap in time and not letting this valuable resource continue to be wasted for no reason can make a difference.

2. Reuse water whenever possible. The water we use to wash fruits, vegetables, or even in the shower while waiting for it to heat up can be used to water plants or clean. It’s not about making huge changes, but rather being mindful and creative so as not to waste what can still be used. The key is to get used to implementing these small but significant changes in our daily lives, since water is a fundamental but limited resource, so it’s in our hands to choose whether to conserve it.

3. Help raise awareness. Raising awareness is essential if we want to make a change. Currently, most people don’t know how to value this vital resource and waste it without

thinking about what could happen in the future, while others barely have access to it. There are millions of campaigns to raise awareness, but one of the most notable in Peru is “World Water Day,” which reflects on the importance of water in our lives and for the sustainable development of the planet. There is also the “Think about Water” campaign, organized by the Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Sanitation, or “Water, What Do I Need It For?” campaign, organized by the Organismo Técnico de la Administración de los Servicios de Saneamiento (OTASS), to raise awareness among users in 14 regions.

In conclusion, there is a profound paradox in Peru: there is a great abundance of water in certain regions, but a shortage in others. This requires several actions, not only from the state but from citizens alike. Responsible use of water in Peru is essential to ensuring a good quality of life and the well-being of all. If everyone takes care of this resource, we can have a more just, healthy, and sustainable future. Everyone has the power to make a big change. What are you waiting for?