Water and Sanitation

Water supply quantity and quality, and sanitation, are critical factors in human health, ecosystems, agricultural production, biodiversity, energy, and natural environment. Water affects everything. It has economic, political, and social implications. It affects girls’ access to education, women’s opportunities and security, and infant mortality. Water is a national security issue and lack of water due to increased depletion of water resources may bring unanticipated geopolitical changes. It is estimated that more than one billion people are without access to safe water. More than twice that many lack adequate sanitation which are key elements for the improvement of health and well being, particularly for the poor. In much of the developing world, modern management practices and scientific techniques are needed to develop, protect and manage water supplies, to optimize water supply, and to protect water quality.

Click to read more:

IWMI: Poverty, Gender and Water
World Bank: Water and Poverty
KERP: Water Poverty Index
Pacific Institute: Water Data
WHO: 'Preventing disease through healthy environments'