Global Scans · Clean Water and Sanitation · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 6. Ensure availability of water and sanitation for all.

• [New] Cameroon is still far from its 2030 targets of increasing access to drinking water to 77% and access to sanitation to 56% in rural areas. World Bank
• [New] Researchers are now warning that the UK is falling behind both Europe and the US in the introduction of enforceable targets on microplastic in wastewater and drinking water. NHBS
• [New] A waste reduction programme has seen materials sent to landfill cut from 70% to 1.2% in just three years, and Integra plans to introduce a rainwater capture system to become self-sufficient for water, with the exception of drinking water. The Holderness and Hornsea Gazette
• [New] By showcasing the latest advancements in water technologies and strategic thinking, Water Security Africa aims to empower utilities and water intensive industries to take control of their water security and costs, and mitigate the threats presented by issues in water quality and constrained supply. Water Security Africa
• [New] Climate change adversely affects important health risk factors including water quality, food security, energy poverty, adequacy of housing and telecommunications in remote Australia. BioMed Central
• [New] Amid rising temperatures and soaring water demand in Delhi, a fresh political row has erupted between the BJP-led Delhi government and the AAP-ruled Punjab over alleged disruptions in water supply. The New Indian Express
• [New] The drought affecting Mexico could push water theft to rise in line with price. Insight Crime
• [New] Producing SAF in Minnesota will reduce climate pollution while protecting air and water quality, soil health, and the health of Minnesotans. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
• [New] Eg: Punjab and Sindh have previously clashed over water allocations, and a reduction in water flow from India could heighten tensions, particularly over the allocation of Indus river waters. Civilsdaily
• [New] With regard to risk of wildfire and water stress / drought, nearly half of the companies analyzed will be at high risk in 2050, and the number of companies at high risk of wildfires will approximately double. Climate Change | Environment | Sustainability | MITSUI
• [New] 6.3 million properties in England are in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, and surface water, a number which is predicted to rise to around 8 million, or one in four, by 2050. Building
• [New] President Donald Trump recently threatened sanctions and tariffs against Mexico over disputes related to water treaties involving the Rio Grande and Colorado rivers, which have had dwindling flow in recent years thanks to climate change. Live Science
• [New] Mexico's persistent shortfalls in deliveries has led to severe water shortages for Rio Grande Valley farmers and ranchers, devastating crops, costing jobs and threatening the local economy. Mexico News Daily
• [New] Soil salinity is a critical global challenge that severely impairs crop productivity and soil health by disrupting water uptake, nutrient acquisition, and ionic balance in plants, thereby posing a significant threat to food security. SpringerLink
• [New] For instance, in the EAT diet, water use in 43 countries surpassed that in the BaU scenario by 2030, with 69.8% being African and Asian countries. Nature
• [New] In dietary transition scenarios, lower demand for animal-sourced food and food waste led to a projected reduction in water use to a range of 4262.06-4937.68 km3 by 2070. Nature
• [New] Argentina experienced the most significant rise (128.88 km3), while 58 countries were projected to use less water due to improved irrigation efficiency and declining populations, with India experiencing the largest reduction (208.63 km3). Nature
• In Pakistan, protests have erupted over India's threats, especially regarding the threat to suspend the delivery of water to Pakistan, which is being characterised as water terrorism. Solace Global
• Stantec will provide engineering services during construction for the treatment facility at Vancouver's Water Station 4, one of the first stations in Vancouver's water supply that will treat water for PFAS. The Manila Times

Last updated: 11 May 2025