With support from Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD), the Greater Cleveland Aquarium is encouraging Northeast Ohioans to think about the importance of freshwater during its World Water Day Weekend, Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 24, 10 am – 5 pm.

The United Nations first celebrated World Water Day (March 22) in 1993 and in 2010 the UN recognized safe and clean drinking water as a human right.

“Safe, clean water is a year-round educational focus here because without it, aquatic life cannot thrive,” says Greater Cleveland Aquarium GM and Splash Fund director Tami Brown. “But on World Water Day we are reminded that this resource is vital for all plants and animals.” Although about 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, only 3% of that is freshwater. “Protecting the health of something fundamentally critical for life on our planet feels particularly important in our community given that an estimated 20% of the world’s fresh surface water can be found in the Great Lakes,” adds Brown.

This year Cleveland is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River fire on June 22, 1969 and the environmental protections that it inspired. Located in the once industrial flats along the City’s crooked river, the Aquarium is committed to highlighting this legacy and exploring the juxtaposition of the man-made and natural worlds, something at the center of both the Ohio Lakes & Rivers and the recently re-themed Industry & Habitat galleries.

Throughout the weekend, the Aquarium will share simple water conservation tips and children will be invited to design a one-of-a-kind fish using recycled materials. The first 150 visitors on World Water Day will receive a NEORSD #RiverReborn button pack.

All guests are also invited to participate in a water-themed scavenger hunt for a chance to win an annual family pass which offers store, café and event discounts; exclusive event access; free parking during Aquarium visits; and a year of admission for 2 adults and up to 6 children. All activities are presented in partnership with NEORSD.

Guests are encouraged to share photos and tips from the day using hashtags #VisitMeInCLE, #CLEAquarium and #RiverReborn.