Drinking water pollution. Global challenges

 

Water quality is one of the major challenges around the globe. It is estimated that 80% of industrial and municipal wastewater is released into rivers and oceans without any treatment leading to environmental pollution and diseases effecting human population.

Water pollution is a global challenge facing both developed and developing countries. Industrialisation, population growth and living standards are all linked to water pollution. In developed countries pollution is linked to high economic levels, industrialisation and higher consumption of resources and energy. Agricultural expansion and pollution caused is also becoming a major driver of water degradation.

Poor and developing countries face many problems related to water pollution and access to drinking water. Overpopulation and increasing demand on waste and sewage is one problem. Low level of wastewater treatment and lack of infrastructure as well as necessary skills is another. It is estimated that 2.4 billion people live without any form of sanitation. The quality of drinking water in developing countries is concerning, remaining the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. According to UNESCO 2021 World Development Report “about 829,000 people dies each year from diarrhoea caused by unsafe drinking water, sanitation and hand hygiene”. Another staggering data predicts that child malnutrition due to inadequate water and sanitation will affect more than 1/3 of children in the world.  

Access to all and availability of water and sanitation, including drinking water, is the sixth Sustainable Development Goal by the UN. As it stands, it is looking unlikely that the target set for 2030 will be achieved. The effort to make the drinking water available to Global South requires greater partnership and cooperation from all countries across the world. It also requires a will to address this global challenge. The problem will not disappear, and with the increased exposure to pollutants due to higher pollution and economic growth, it may become even bigger.