Access to water and sanitation
Water: an indispensable element to life
Life on Earth would not be possible without water… a fact recognized by all early cultures and religions. Having enough water for drinking and personal hygiene is essential, but quantity by itself is not sufficient. The quality of water is also a crucial health issue.
Water on earth: an endlessly renewable resource ?
Although water covers 71% of the Earth's surface, only 3% of that is freshwater, of which 69% is "trapped" as ice, mainly at the North and South poles. The remaining freshwater in rivers, lakes and aquifers that humans, plants and animal species can use and consume must be carefully managed and protected to avoid irreparable depletion of the resource.
Paradoxically, although water is subject to waste and pollution, it has also long been recognized as a precious resource, and water scarcity has caused conflict since the beginning of history.
The impact of climate change…
It is widely anticipated that climate changed induced flood or drought conditions could impact the sustainability of improved drinking water sources and improved sanitation.
[Learn more about the impact of climate change on water and sanitation]