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Public awareness of the impending world water crisis is an important prerequisite to create a responsible citizenship capable of participating to improve world water management. In this context, the case of a unique global water education outreach exercise, World Water Monitoring Day of October 18, is presented. Started in 2002 in the United States, currently World Water Monitoring Day is celebrated in 50 countries by more than 75,000 particpants per year. Review of this exercise in terms of public environmental education and possible transferrability to to other global issues of importance is discussed.

The article focuses on the aspects of the expansion of environmental education in South Africa, citing the establishment of several environmental programmes such as the Plant Monitoring Day (PMD) which allows teachers and students to be aware of plant diversity and their surroundings.

The article discusses the implications of the changes in ground water resources for fynbos in South Africa. It states that the rapid growth of the population as well as economic development in the Western Cape region increase the demands for water resources. It mentions that climate change will have major impacts on hydrological systems and will affect the hydrological cycle by increasing surface temperatures and changing rates of precipitation.

Previews the World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) to be held from September 18 to October 18, 2005. Objective of the event; Use of testing kit by participants to monitor key water quality indicators; Highlights of the 2004 monitoring activities; Benefits of the WWMD according to Paul Reiter, executive director of the International Water Association.