Join us in the worldwide celebration 💦
March 22 is World Water Day. An event that lies especially close to our hearts here at AVK, and where we want to put extra focus on water's value in our lives and in society. 21-03-2025
From the moment we wake up in the morning, water is an essential part of our existence. It is the key element in making sure we can keep ourselves healthy, hydrated and safe from disease throughout the day. What a blessing, right?
And then there are all the processes around us, making sure we have our other needs met, such as food, clothes, heating or cooling, gadgets, espresso, cars, travels, you name it. While it might seem less tangible, because we don’t see that water being used, producing all these commodities for us is way more water-consuming than most of us would imagine.
Have you thought about how much water is used for basic things we do or consume on a regular basis?
Here’s a few examples:
- 1 average ChatGPT prompt = 0,5 litre
- 1 10-minute shower = 100 litres
- 1 cup of coffee = 140 litres
- 1 pint of beer = 170 litres
- 1 hamburger = 2,400 litres
While 0,5 litre doesn’t sound like much for a ChatGPT prompt, there are +1 billion prompts performed every day, meaning that every single second globally around 5,800 litres are used to assist in the production of this massive amount of data. Cheers.
Our resources are not limited
Even though our planet is almost completely covered with this liquid goodness, there isn’t much we can use for the above-mentioned purposes. About 97% or earth’s water is salty, a further 2% locked up in ice caps and glaciers, leaving only a tiny 1% of freshwater for our heavy water cravings.
And our management skills matter
So that 1% of freshwater we have left, how are we able to manage it? Not as smart and efficient as we could - far from, actually. On a global scale, about 1/3 of all the cleaned, produced drinking water leaving the water utilities never reach the end-user, often due to poorly maintained water networks causing leaks in pipes and equipment. Yes, a third! And as if that wasn’t enough, think about all the energy that has been used to clean and pump all this water, for simply no reason. And to produce that energy was used a lot of, yes, water.
Accessibility, really?
While safe and accessible water is considered a fundamental human right, there are still around 2.2 billion people across the planet lacking access to clean drinking water. Lacking the key element in keeping them healthy, hydrated and safe from disease, which many of us take as a granted when we wake up in the morning.
As we commemorate World Water Day, let us commit to explicitly value and preserve our water. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in responsible water management, and simple actions such as reducing water waste, investing in water-saving technologies, and advocating for clean water initiatives can make a significant, game-changing difference.
Water is more than just a resource; it is our lifeline. Let’s celebrate its value and work together to ensure that clean and accessible water remains available for all!
Celebrations from across the AVK world
We have asked some of our many water-loving employees in the AVK Group to share their creative expressions of how water is valuable to them in their daily life:
In the Amazon, water is more than just a resource—it is the essence of life. When the rivers dry up, it’s not just the landscape that changes; it’s the fate of thousands of people. Without water, there is no transportation, no food, no future. Preserving it is not a choice; it is a necessity. This photo, taken on a boat on the Rio Negro, deep in the Amazon, is an urgent reminder: Either we protect our waters, or we watch our history disappear with them.
Amanda Evelyn de Souza Reis, HR Analyst, AVK Valvulas do Brasil Ltda
Hello! My name is Lugano and I love water! 💦🐶 Water is essential for me, especially because the days here in Brazil can be very hot. There's nothing better than cooling off! As a 43 kg Golden Retriever, I need about 2 to 3 liters of water a day to stay healthy and hydrated. Take care of your water, it's vital for all of us! Au Au!💙
Juliana Cristine Celestrim, Marketing Analyst, AVK Valvulas do Brasil Ltda
Water is more than just a valuable element to me—it’s a source of freedom, connection, and creativity. Surfing brings me closer to nature, whilst photography lets me capture moments in its reflectiveness, such as a beautiful sunset on the pier. For me, water shapes my experiences, fuels my passion, and offers a way to express my creativity.
Stefan Munk, Marketing Coordinator, AVK Nederland B.V.
Recognising water's significance, I have committed myself to conserving it in every possible way. One of the practical steps I take is to repurpose the water collected from my tumble dryer. Instead of letting it go to waste, I use it to nourish my household plants. Every drop counts!
Lone Aagaard Østerbøg, Sustainability Communications Specialist, AVK Holding
Water is the natural element that makes Earth a habitable planet and allows life to emerge. Let's take care of this increasingly scarce resource.
Daniel Garrido Arias, ACMO Product Manager, AVK Válvulas, S.A.
Water reflects life, nature and the future. A precious resource that we must preserve for future generations.
Tiago Miranda da Silva, Quality Assurance Assistant, AVK Valvulas do Brasil Ltda
The Lifeblood of Existence: The Value of Water, to me, feels like life’s quiet hero – always there, always giving, and often overlooked. It reminds me of childhood days, splashing in puddles after the rain or watching my garden come alive after a good soaking. It's more than just a necessity; it’s a companion in every moment of life. Without it, I wouldn’t have the simple joys of a refreshing drink on a hot day, the sound of rainfall at night, or the beauty of rivers and oceans that connect us to something greater. Water holds stories, memories, and endless possibilities – truly a treasure worth protecting.
For many, water forms a seamless part of daily routines – showers to start the day, a cup of tea or coffee, cooking meals, and watering gardens. Yet, in many parts of the world, access to clean water remains a privilege. As stewards of this blue planet, it's our collective responsibility to conserve and protect water for future generations. Water is not just a resource; it’s the lifeblood of existence. By cherishing and safeguarding it, we ensure the continuity of life, harmony in ecosystems, and the prosperity of future generations.
Let’s remember that every drop counts. By making small, mindful changes in our daily habits – like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and recycling water – we contribute to a sustainable future where water continues to sustain life on Earth. Every effort counts!
Nicole Singh, Marketing Coordinator, AVK Valves Southern Africa
I would like to share this image, taken by me, from the interior of Brazil, in the state of Rondônia, in the Amazon. Without a doubt, it is one of the most well-known places in the world and one of the most important regions due to its biodiversity and the need for its preservation, which brings numerous benefits to the planet, especially to the area where AVK Brasil is located.
An interesting fact is that, although the state of São Paulo, where we are located, is far from the Amazon, there is a direct connection between the rains in our region and the Amazon rainforest.
All the water that reaches the state comes through what are known as "flying rivers," meaning the humidity in the clouds of the Amazon that moves here, generating rainfall in the Southern and Southeastern regions of Brazil.
With this, I would like to reflect with everyone on the importance of preserving our natural wealth, which is essential for our own survival.
Henrique Camargo de Moraes, Safety Technician, AVK Valvulas do Brasil Ltda
