THE PROBLEM

Water is at the core of sustainable development and is critical for socio-economic development, energy and food production, healthy ecosystems and for human survival itself. Water is also at the heart of adaptation to climate change, serving as the crucial link between society and the environment. Water is also a rights issue. As the global population grows, there is an increasing need to balance all of the competing commercial demands on water resources so that communities have enough for their needs. In particular, women and girls must have access to clean, private sanitation facilities to manage menstruation and maternity in dignity and safety. At the human level, water cannot be seen in isolation from sanitation. Together, they are vital for reducing the global burden of disease and improving the health, education and economic productivity of populations.

Key Facts

-785 million people lack even a basic drinking-water service, including 144 million people who are dependent on surface water.

-Contaminated water can transmit diseases such diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio. Contaminated drinking water is estimated to cause 485,000 diarrhoeal deaths each year.

-In 2017, 71% of the global population (5.3 billion people) used a safely managed drinking-water service – that is, one located on premises, available when needed, and free from contamination.

-By 2025, half of the world’s population will be living in water-stressed areas.

Key Facts

-Women and girls around the world spend 200 million hours every day collecting water

-Around the world, 1 in 3 schools lacks access to basic water and sanitation.

-Universal access to basic water and sanitation would result in $18.5 billion in economic benefits each year from avoided deaths alone.

-Solving this problem would benefit the health and quality of life of the people who currently do not have access to clean water as well as their country and its economy which would ultimately benefit the global economy.

- Third world countries like Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Libya, and India are currently facing the water crisis.