One in Four People Worldwide Still Without Safe Drinking Water: Urgent Call to Action by WHO and UNICEF

World water Week 2025. Learn about the disparities and what's being done.">

August 27,2025

Geneva/New York – A staggering 2.1 billion people globally – roughly one in four – still do not have access to safely managed drinking water, according to a newly released report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The report, launched during World Water Week 2025, underscores persistent inequalities in access to this fundamental resource, with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Persistent Disparities Highlighted in New Report

The complete assessment, titled ‘Progress on Household Drinking Water and Sanitation 2000-2024: special focus on inequalities’, reveals that while incremental progress has been made, significant gaps remain in providing essential water, sanitation, and hygiene services. These deficiencies place billions at increased risk of preventable diseases and perpetuate cycles of social and economic exclusion.

Key Findings From The Report

The report highlighted ten critical facts concerning global water access.Notably, 3.4 billion people still lack safely managed sanitation facilities, with 354 million still practicing open defecation. Additionally,1.7 billion individuals lack basic hygiene services at home, and a concerning 611 million have no access to hygiene facilities whatsoever.

Individuals residing in the world’s Least Developed Countries are disproportionately affected, being more than twice as likely as those in other nations to lack basic water and sanitation services. The situation is even more dire in fragile contexts, where safely managed drinking water coverage is 38 percentage points lower than in more stable regions.While rural areas have seen some improvements, they continue to lag behind urban centers in access to these essential services.

The Burden on Women and Girls

The report also emphasizes the disproportionate impact the water crisis has on women and girls. Data from 70 countries show that while most have access to menstrual materials and private facilities, many lack sufficient supplies for adequate hygiene. Adolescent girls, in particular, are less likely to participate fully in school, work, and social activities during menstruation.Furthermore, in many regions, women and girls bear the primary responsibility for water collection, often spending over 30 minutes each day traveling to and from water sources, notably in sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia.

Challenges to Achieving Sustainable Progress Goals

With less than five years remaining to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water and sanitation, the report warns that current progress is insufficient. Achieving the 2030 targets for ending open defecation and ensuring worldwide access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services will require a significant acceleration of efforts. universal coverage of safely managed services, however, appears increasingly unattainable at the current rate.

“Water, sanitation, and hygiene are not privileges, they are basic human rights,” stated Dr.Ruediger Krech, Director a.i, Environment, Climate Change and Health, at the World Health Organization. “We must accelerate action, especially for the most marginalized communities, if we are to keep our promise to reach the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Cecilia Scharp, UNICEF Director of WASH, echoed this sentiment, adding, “When children lack access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, their health, education, and futures are put at risk. These inequalities are especially stark for girls. At the current pace, the promise of safe water and sanitation for every child is slipping further from reach – reminding us that we must act faster and more boldly to reach those who need it most.”

Indicator	Global Figures (2024)
People lacking safely managed drinking water	2.1 billion
People lacking safely managed sanitation	3.4 billion
People lacking basic hygiene services	1.7 billion
People practicing open defecation	354 million

The Escalating Global Water Stress

The challenges surrounding global water access are compounded by increasing water stress driven by climate change, population growth, and unsustainable water management practices.According to the world Resources Institute,17 countries currently face “extremely high” water stress,meaning they use 80 percent or more of their available water each year. This puts significant strain on ecosystems and economies and is expected to worsen in the coming decades. Investing in water infrastructure, promoting water conservation, and adopting integrated water resource management strategies are crucial for building resilience and ensuring sustainable water security for all.

did You Know? Approximately 70% of all water withdrawals globally are used by agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Global Water Access

• What is ‘safely managed’ drinking water? Safely managed drinking water refers to water sourced on-premises, free from contamination, and available when needed.
• Why are some communities more vulnerable to water scarcity? poverty, geographic location (e.g., arid regions), political instability, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to increased vulnerability.
• How does a lack of sanitation impact health? Poor sanitation leads to the spread of infectious diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
• What are fragile contexts in relation to water access? These are regions facing economic, political, or environmental instability, hindering their ability to provide adequate water services.
• What role does climate change play in the water crisis? Climate change exacerbates water stress through increased droughts, floods, and changing precipitation patterns.
• How can individuals contribute to water conservation? Reducing water usage at home, supporting sustainable agriculture, and advocating for responsible water policies are impactful actions.
• What is the JMP and its role in monitoring water access? The WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Program (JMP) tracks global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

What steps do you believe are most crucial to address this global water crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and help us spread awareness about this critical issue.

What percentage of the global population lacks access too safely managed drinking water services, according to recent reports?

The global Water Crisis: A Stark reality

Recent reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF paint a sobering picture: nearly two billion people – one in four globally – lack access to safely managed drinking water services. This isn’t simply about convenience; it’s a fundamental human rights issue with devastating consequences for public health, economic development, and social stability. The lack of safe water access contributes significantly to preventable diseases and mortality, especially among children. Water scarcity exacerbates these challenges, impacting vulnerable populations disproportionately.

understanding the Statistics: Who is Most Affected?

The burden of unsafe water isn’t shared equally. Several factors contribute to vulnerability:

Geographic Location: Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia bear the brunt of the crisis. Rural areas consistently lag behind urban centers in access to improved water sources.

Socioeconomic Status: Poverty is a major driver. low-income communities often lack the infrastructure and resources to provide safe drinking water.

Conflict and Displacement: Areas experiencing conflict or mass displacement face severe disruptions to water supply systems, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Climate Change: Changing whether patterns, including droughts and floods, are intensifying water stress in many regions, making access even more precarious.

Specifically, UNICEF data highlights that children are particularly vulnerable, with contaminated water contributing to diarrheal diseases – a leading cause of death in children under five.Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery thrive in environments with poor sanitation and unsafe water.

The Health Impacts of Unsafe Water

The consequences of drinking contaminated water are far-reaching:

Diarrheal Diseases: The most immediate and common impact,leading to dehydration and malnutrition.

Cholera: A potentially deadly bacterial infection spread through contaminated water.

Typhoid Fever: A systemic infection caused by Salmonella typhi, frequently enough linked to poor sanitation and water quality.

Parasitic infections: Including giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis, causing gastrointestinal illness.

Long-Term Health Issues: Chronic exposure to contaminants can lead to developmental problems in children and increased risk of certain cancers.

Investing in water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs is crucial for preventing these health crises.Clean water initiatives are demonstrably linked to improved public health outcomes.

The Economic Costs of the Water Crisis

The lack of safe water isn’t just a health issue; it’s a important economic drain:

Healthcare Costs: Treating waterborne diseases places a heavy burden on healthcare systems.

Lost Productivity: Illnesses caused by unsafe water lead to lost workdays and reduced economic output.

Educational Impact: Children frequently miss school due to illness, hindering their education and future opportunities.

Agricultural Losses: Water pollution impacts agricultural yields, threatening food security and livelihoods.

Studies by the World Bank estimate that investing in water and sanitation yields a significant return on investment, boosting economic growth and reducing poverty. Lasting water management is therefore vital for long-term economic prosperity.

What is Being Done? current Initiatives & Technologies

Numerous organizations are working to address the global water crisis:

WHO & UNICEF Joint Efforts: Focusing on strengthening water systems,promoting hygiene practices,and advocating for increased investment.

Water.org: pioneering microfinance solutions to help families afford access to safe water and sanitation.

charity: water: Funding water projects in developing countries and using technology to track progress.

Innovative Technologies:

Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS): A simple and affordable method using sunlight to purify water.

Water Filtration Systems: From household filters to large-scale treatment plants.

Desalination: Converting saltwater into freshwater,particularly relevant in arid regions.

Atmospheric Water Generators: Extracting water from the air, offering a potential solution in water-scarce areas.

These water purification methods are constantly evolving, offering more efficient and cost-effective solutions. Water conservation techniques are also playing a crucial role.

Real-World Example: Rwanda’s Progress

Rwanda has made significant strides in improving access to safe water in recent years. Through government investment,partnerships with NGOs,and community participation,the country has increased access to improved water sources from 58% in 2000 to over 84% today. This progress demonstrates that with sustained effort and strategic investment, significant improvements are possible. This success story highlights the importance of community-led water projects.

How You Can Help: Taking Action

Individuals can contribute to solving the water crisis in several ways:

Donate to reputable organizations: Support organizations like WHO, UNICEF, Water.org, and charity: water.

* Raise Awareness: Share details about the crisis with your