ANSI Recognizes 2009 celebration of World Water Day.
Press Release Summary:
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recognizes the international observance of World Water Day, which occurred on March 22, 2009. It serves to highlight the importance of freshwater and advocates sustainable management of freshwater resources. This year's theme, "Transboundary waters: shared waters, shared opportunities," addresses challenges raised by 250+ lake and river basins that cross country boundaries worldwide.
Original Press Release:
ANSI Recognizes the 2009 Celebration of World Water Day
American and International Standards promote clean water worldwide
New York March 20, 2009
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is proud to recognize the international observance of World Water Day on March 22, 2009. Coordinated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with the support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Water Day highlights the importance of freshwater and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
This year's theme, "Transboundary waters: shared waters, shared opportunities," addresses the challenges raised by the over 250 lake and river basins that cross country boundaries worldwide. According to the event's coordinators, cooperation in transboundary water management can foster mutual respect, understanding, and trust among countries while promoting sustainable economic growth.
Many American National Standards (ANS) exist to facilitate water management, assuring clean and drinkable water across the nation. The American Water Works Association, an ANSI member and accredited standards developer, has published a number of standards that address water treatment and water quality. ANSI/AWWA B100-2001, Filtering Material, covers gravel, silica sand, high-density media, anthracite filter materials, and the placement of the materials in filters for water supply service application.
Another ANS provides guidelines on the use of reverse osmosis to treat drinking water. NSF/ANSI 58-2007, Reverse osmosis drinking water treatment systems, addresses point-of-use systems designed for the reduction of substances that may be present in drinking water supplies. This standard was developed by NSF International, an ANSI member and audited designator.
International Standards are also in place to support the production and preservation of clean water. Many have been developed by the International Organization for Standardization, whose guidelines help to facilitate transboundary water management by providing practical tools for developing common understanding and cooperation between countries. These standards address aspects such as water quality and measurement, and the management of water supply services.
One such standard is ISO 4373:2008, Hydrometry - Water level measuring devices. This standard specifies the functional requirements of instrumentation for measuring the level of water surface, an essential function in water management and conservation.
ISO 4373:2008 was developed by ISO Technical Committee (TC) 113, Hydrometry. The ANSI-accredited U.S. TAG administrator for this TC is the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), an ANSI government member.
UNESCO, UNECE, and FAO provide materials to support World Water Day including an events calendar and campaign materials. Click here for more information.
