Tackling global water crisis

Water is a basic human right – but it is also a finite resource. Water scarcity is a growing problem, with one in four people living in water-scarce areas.

The global water crisis undermines our ability to produce food, protect livelihoods, and build strong economies. This crisis is accelerating, with water demand expected to outstrip supply by 40% by 2030. Poor and vulnerable groups will be disproportionately affected, resulting in growing inequality. The need for effective and collaborative water management will only grow as the effects of climate change put increasing pressure on global resources.

Achieving a water-secure world for all requires bold policy actions and investments at all levels. This starts with understanding how we value and manage this scarce resource – the theme of this year’s World Water Week, the leading conference on global water issues, which will take place from August 23 to September 1, in Stockholm, Sweden.

As a public good, water is undervalued, underpriced, and often poorly managed and in need of better investments. How we value water is reflected in governments’ water management policies. Given that water is at the heart of development, it is crucial that a wide range of perspectives be represented in policies. Well-designed governance and fiscal reforms, along with autonomous and accountable institutions, are key to improving the management of water resources.

Good governance – institutions and systems that use and manage water efficiently, cost-effectively, and transparently – ensures water is effectively managed and fairly allocated, avoiding disputes . This is particularly important for managing transboundary waters, given increasing pressure on common sources of water supply. Good governance is also vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals beyond clean water and sanitation for all, such as reducing poverty and increasing food security. With 2 billion people still lacking safe drinking water and 3.6 billion people lacking safe sanitation, urgent and renewed action is needed to tackle the global water challenge.

Ensuring that water is equitably and sustainably shared requires an inclusive approach. Women, youth, indigenous groups, people with disabilities, and others are still underrepresented among those who provide or receive services, make decisions, and control water resources. These groups need to have a voice, access, and job opportunities in the water sector.

Their inclusion has wide-ranging benefits. For example, women’s involvement in the water sector has been shown to improve the transparency and sustainability of water management. And greater citizen engagement and accountability at all levels can help communities avoid being located in the flood plain, improve the effectiveness of disaster early-warning systems, create more efficient services, and contribute to more profitable farming, fishing, or tourism opportunities.

World Bank Blog