[1] The theme of each year focuses on topics relevant to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), which is in line with the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6.

The day brings to light the inequality of access to WASH services and the need to assure the human right to water and sanitation.

[20] This day was first formally proposed in Agenda 21 of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro.

In December 1992, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/193 by which 22 March of each year was declared World Day for Water.

[citation needed] The aim of that year's theme was to facilitate the development of policies and crosscutting frameworks that would bridge ministries and sectors.

[citation needed] The theme also highlights how an abundance of quality water can change people's jobs and lives for the better.

The 2016 celebration created recognition for those working to improve water quality and availability, and the need for many to transition to other and better jobs.

[6] The theme was a play on words as it related to both the aspect of wasting water and issues around wastewater, namely treatment and reuse.

One aspect of Target 6.3 is to halve the proportion of untreated wastewater and also to increase the recycling and safe reuse of water across the globe.

The goal was to improve the quantity and quality of sanitation information available on Wikipedia for the use of teachers, journalists and the general public.

[8][37] UN-Water asserts that "water services must meet the needs of marginalized groups and their voices must be heard in decision-making processes".

UN-Water states that "adapting to the water effects of climate change will protect health and save lives".

[39] People were invited to join a global conversation to "tell us your stories, thoughts and feelings about water" on social media using the hashtag "#Water2me".

[40] The campaign looked beyond the issue of pricing, asking the public: "How is water important to your home and family life, your livelihood, your cultural practices, your wellbeing, your local environment?".

The campaign was built around three main groundwater-related topics/issues, namely: (1) The invisible ingredient in food, (2) a resource without borders, and (3) a finite supply.

Dysfunction throughout the water cycle undermines progress on all major global issues, from health to hunger, gender equality to jobs, education to industry, and disasters to peace.

As nations manage climate change, mass migration and political unrest, they must put water cooperation at the heart of their plans.

Every year, World Water Day campaign messages and publications reach millions of people through social media, dedicated websites and other channels.

In 2016, the UN-Water annual report stated that social media engagement (hashtag #WorldWaterDay), had a maximum potential reach of 1.6 billion people worldwide in 2016.

[44] In 2018, there was a 25% increase in both the number of website visits and the maximum potential reach on social media largely due to celebrity support and a coordinated communications approach across the United Nations.