UN: More Than Two Billion People Lack Access to Safe Water

According to the United Nations, at least two billion inhabitants of Earth do not have access to safe drinking water. While this crisis exists in Europe and North America, it is far more severe in African countries.

On the eve of “World Water Day,” the United Nations’ “Global Water Assessment Program” released its latest report on drinking water. The report states that more than two billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water.

According to the report, individuals or groups discriminated against based on ethnic, religious, gender, or material affiliations have less access to drinking water than others.

UN researchers have also concluded that more than half of the world’s population lacks sanitation facilities.

The situation regarding water and sanitation in refugee settlements in struggling countries has been reported as dire.

Based on the “Global Water Assessment Program” report, approximately 844 million people are forced to spend half an hour daily collecting water. Many of these individuals do not have direct access to drinking water.

The situation for urban residents is better than for rural inhabitants. Approximately 63 percent of city dwellers have water supply systems, compared to nine percent in rural areas.

More than half of those without access to drinking water live in Africa.

Water Situation in Germany

Ulrika Borschard, member of the executive board of Germany’s UNESCO committee, described the drinking water situation in the country as “very good.” Almost all German households have access to water supply systems and sanitation facilities. This is in contrast to approximately 57 million inhabitants of Europe and North America who lack running water.

According to the UN report, over the past 15 years, Germans have consumed less than 20 percent of the country’s renewable water reserves. Nevertheless, Germany is one of the countries considered a factor in water scarcity in other countries. The reason for this is the import of various food products whose production requires excessive water consumption. In this regard, cotton and beef have been mentioned.

The rate of water consumption from renewable groundwater reserves in countries facing water crises averages 25 percent. Among these countries, Egypt and Pakistan are record-holders, consuming nearly 70 percent of their reserves.

Water Situation in Iran

The water situation in Iran is also abnormal and according to experts is constantly worsening. The Washington Post wrote last July that “Iran is heading toward a water crisis of vast proportions” and there are few solutions to address this problem. The newspaper cited mismanagement as the cause of Iran’s water crisis.

The water crisis in recent months has triggered various protest movements in Iran, including symbolic resignations by Isfahan’s representatives in parliament.

According to the latest report from the “International Water Management Institute,” Iran’s groundwater reserves will reach a “dangerous and irreversible” level by 2025.

Source: DW