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Mongolia Recycling Wastewater to Ease Water Crisis

Mongolia Recycles Industrial Wastewater to Ease Water CrisisMongolia, a country in East Asia rich in history and culture, has long viewed water as a precious resource. However, the nation continues to face major water access challenges. According to UNICEF, 30% of the population lacks access to safe drinking water and only 56% of water cleansing facilities are operational, leaving certain districts especially vulnerable. In response to increasing water scarcity, Mongolia is implementing innovative solutions by recycling industrial wastewater from Coca-Cola’s bottling operations. The Mongolian government, MCS Coca-Cola and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) have backed the initiative as part of a broader national effort to promote sustainable water practices and reduce pressure on limited groundwater reserves.

A Creative Response to Growing Water Demand

Over the past two decades, Mongolia’s population has increased by 70%, which has driven significantly higher water usage. Much of the country relies on groundwater and around 500 factories discharge 44,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily, which has intensified the challenge of securing safe and sustainable water sources. In response, MCS Coca-Cola treats more than 500 cubic meters of wastewater per day and plans to supply the Amgalan Thermal Power Plant in Ulaanbaatar. The city plans to use the treated water as a cooling resource during the heating season—a cost-effective, climate-friendly alternative to freshwater.

Investments in Infrastructure and Water Security

The wastewater reuse initiative supports Mongolia’s broader effort to build resilient water infrastructure. The government has committed $111.8 million to support sustainable water systems as part of the $462 million Mongolia Water Compact, jointly funded with the United States (U.S.) Millennium Challenge Corporation.

A major component of the compact is the construction of a new Wastewater Recycling Plant, which will treat up to 50,000 cubic meters of effluent daily. The recycled water is expected to reduce freshwater demand by more than 50 million cubic meters annually, benefiting combined heat and power plants and easing stress on urban water sources. In addition, infrastructure upgrades—including pipelines from factories to treatment plants—are in development to ensure efficient transfer and monitoring of treated water. These improvements are designed to uphold high water quality standards while encouraging other industries to adopt similar recycling practices.

The effort also reflects a shift toward climate-adaptive public works, where water reuse systems support both environmental sustainability and future-ready urban infrastructure in rapidly growing areas like Ulaanbaatar.

Toward a More Water-Secure Future

Recycling wastewater from industrial operations like Coca-Cola’s not only addresses immediate shortages but also establishes a precedent for circular water economy models in Mongolia. It removes the need to rely on unsafe alternatives—some of which may contain contaminants such as lead, arsenic or copper—and enhances public health. By reducing dependence on fragile freshwater sources and investing in recycling systems, Mongolia is taking critical steps toward achieving water security for future generations. With the support of the government, private companies and international partners, this initiative could serve as a blueprint for water-stressed countries around the world.

– Anastasia Flerchinger

Anastasia is based in Richland, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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New Data Center Threatens Further Water Scarcity in Uruguay

Water Scarcity in UruguayUruguay, a republic located in South America, has spent the past several months recovering from a drought that lasted more than three years. The drought was severe, to the point where authorities were mixing seawater with freshwater to try and amend the problem— accidentally rendering it completely undrinkable in the process. While things have gotten much better amid more rainfall and administration changes, water scarcity in Uruguay remains a concern for its citizens due to the construction of data centers. These data centers are projected to use unsustainable amounts of water.

What Is a Data Center?

Most internet netizens are familiar with “the Cloud,” where users can remotely store data instead of keeping it on their devices. This data cannot just be nebulously stored on the internet, though; it has to go somewhere physical to be stored. Data centers are the answer to this, containing warehouses of servers that process and house cloud data along with the machines that help make AI technology work.

These computers need lots of water to stay cool with a typical data center using an average of 300,000 gallons of water a day. Some data centers can even use upwards of a million gallons of water a day. Since the process of cooling down computers heats the water, it cannot be dumped back into the systems where it came from since thermal pollution has been known to destroy entire ecosystems.

This process also has the potential to leave chemicals or other impurities that render the water unfit for human consumption. Many worry that the introduction of this technology in Uruguay could prove catastrophic, given the water scarcity in Uruguay.

The Effect on Uruguay

Water scarcity in Uruguay continues to be a prime concern for its citizens and the announcement of a new data center only further exacerbated these concerns. The initial announcement drew so much controversy that many locals took to the catchphrase “It’s not drought, it’s pillage” amid protests. Experts also worry about the long-term ramifications of data centers posing a drain on Uruguay’s very limited water supply.

While the country is still recovering from the prior drought, the insecurity and ecological decimation it brought can still be felt in many areas. A new proposal for the data center was created, with an emphasis on using air conditioning to cool the computers instead of water. Unfortunately, academics conclude this would be just as damaging environmentally. While it is true the amount of water would be lessened, the air pollution and stress on the electrical grid far outweigh any good proposed by the new solution.

Advancements in Technology

Data centers use large amounts of electricity and water to operate, but this does not have to be a negative thing due to recent advancements. Many data centers have turned to using reclaimed wastewater or sewage, to cool their systems instead of relying on drinkable water. Other companies have proposed the idea of recycling the water used in data centers to create a self-sufficient model of water usage.

Advancements such as these would greatly lessen the impact on drinkable water if implemented in Uruguay. Google, the company building and operating the data centers, has been vocal about not wanting to harm Uruguay through the creation of the data center. On the contrary, Google has offered to collaborate with local universities to provide more technology-focused content in their curriculums in order to bolster Uruguay’s tech business and advancements.

Moving Forward

While Uruguay continues to recover from prior droughts, water scarcity in Uruguay continues to be an issue for it. Many worry that the creation of a data center continues to threaten Uruguay’s water supply. However, recent technological advancements and renewed promises for compromise between Google and the Uruguayan people offer a brighter future moving forward.

– Mackenzie Scott

Mackenzie is based in Indianapolis, IN, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Initiatives Ensuring Access to Clean Water in Ethiopia

Clean Water in EthiopiaEthiopia faces a significant water crisis, with roughly 60 million of its 126 million citizens lacking access to safe drinking water. This issue is compounded by surface water pollution, resulting from the country’s rapid population growth, urbanization and inadequate waste management. However, several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and government agencies have implemented initiatives to ensure access to clean water in Ethiopia.

WaterAid’s Deliver Life Project

WaterAid works from a bottom-up approach to alleviate water contamination in Ethiopia through the “Deliver Life” project. WaterAid has shared this project with 128,259 people from 177 communities to help relieve water contamination and related illnesses. This initiative focuses on tackling dirty water, creating sanitary toilets and teaching good hygiene practices.

WaterAid’s project successfully provided 10 Ethiopian schools access and resources to address water contamination. This was achieved through the distribution of water points, water supply systems, gender-separated toilets and teachings on hygiene and menstrual hygiene. WaterAid also taught eight small businesses how to manage liquid and solid waste. Furthermore, they provided waste vehicles to help reduce the likelihood of water contamination from poor sanitation.

UNICEF and ONEWASH

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works with the Ethiopian government on the ONEWASH National Programme, a widespread national appeal to follow water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). This collaboration targets water contamination by producing specific fecal and chemical contamination standards, sharing resources on hygiene practices and building water systems that prioritize cleanliness.

UNICEF and ONEWASH help prevent water contamination by improving hygiene standards and water cleanliness, reducing water-related disease and infection.

Water4Ethiopia

Water4Ethiopia fundraises to supply clean water sites in Ethiopia. Following funding, volunteers work with nonprofit organizations to find a clean-water site. The nonprofit organizations oversee the building and construction of springs or wells and ensure that local people are involved in the process from start to finish.

The wells and springs ensure that the local community has continuous access to clean water despite infectious diseases in the area. Water4Ethiopia has benefited more than 5,000 people to date.

City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation

The City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) project in Ethiopia strives to address water contamination and improve sanitation in four towns in Ethiopia: Sheno, Welenchiti, Maksegnit and Kebridehar. This approach ensures that all locals, even those from low-income backgrounds within these towns, can get clean water.

This is achieved through initiatives that tailor solutions to specific areas, such as analyzing which technologies will improve certain areas. For example, in smaller, rural settlements, CWIS implements on-site sanitation, whereas in cities, CWIS provides sewers. This program ensures that clean water is accessible for everyone, regardless of background, helping to reduce water contamination by improving access to a clean, fresh supply.

Rainwater Harvesting

The Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy has developed a method for collecting clean water using rainwater. Ethiopia’s lack of sanitary water sources means many people turn to ponds or rivers. These sources are often contaminated and cause illness. The rainwater harvesting approach is active nationally, reaching nearly 70% of the population.

It utilizes roof water, which is generally of decent to good quality, making it potable and much less likely to cause disease or illness than water from rift valleys. Approximately 4 million people now have access to clean water through rainwater harvesting. This brings the total number of Ethiopians with access to clean drinking water to just less than 75 million.

Conclusion

Ethiopia’s ongoing battle against water contamination is being addressed through various initiatives that improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education. Indeed, projects like WaterAid’s Deliver Life, UNICEF’s ONEWASH, and rainwater harvesting have benefited millions. Sustained efforts and collaboration will be essential in expanding these successes and ensuring safe water for all Ethiopians.

– Ella Dorman

Ella is based in Worcestershire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Uruguay’s Water Crisis

Uruguay's Water CrisisDespite championing itself as the first country to enshrine the right to clean drinking water in its constitution, Uruguay has had a tumultuous relationship with water in the last few years. Uruguay’s water crisis, which began in 2018 and was triggered by severe droughts and a lack of rainfall, combined with poor government management and crisis response, reached a dangerous peak in the winter of 2023. Given Uruguay’s reliance on agricultural exports, this threatened the availability of safe drinking water, public health and economic productivity.

Thankfully, Uruguay’s water crisis ended in August 2023, with heavy rainfall and efforts by the government and international organizations to help replenish depleted supplies. However, this does not mean that policymakers in Montevideo can sit back and relax. On the contrary, efforts to improve infrastructure and protect water sources must be continued so that the country does not find itself in the same situation soon.

Why Was There a Water Crisis in Uruguay?

Many blame climate instability for Uruguay’s water crisis. The “La Niña” weather phenomenon contributed to rising temperatures and worsening droughts, persisting much longer than in the past. However, many argue that the climate emergency alone cannot be blamed. Poor government planning in the wake of these meteorological changes greatly worsened the effects of global warming.

It meant that Uruguay quickly found itself in a very vulnerable position. Water resource exploitation is very high in Uruguay; around 80% of freshwater is dedicated to farming and agriculture, limiting the amount of water for personal use. The government’s priority has been using water for “productive activities- agriculture, irrigation and big industry” and sufficient measures were not taken to prevent Uruguay’s water crisis.

Additionally, there was a historic lack of progress regarding water infrastructure projects. Before the crisis, the most recent reform to the waterways took place in 1987, as there has been a clear lack of political incentives to pursue projects to improve water infrastructure until now. For example, ex-president José Mujica proposed the Casupá Project in 2013, “which would have been able to fulfill 70% of Montevideo’s demand.” However, this program never came to fruition, as successive administrations made no moves to make it a reality.

What Were the Impacts of the Water Crisis?

Uruguay’s water crisis spelled trouble for its citizens, specifically for those living in Montevideo (home to around one-third of the total population). The Paso Severino Reservoir, the capital city’s main water source, reached around 1.7% of its total capacity in July 2023. In response to this scarcity, the State Sanitary Works Administration took water from sources near the River Plate, much more brackish than water from the reservoirs.

Although it was deemed safe, sick people and pregnant women were advised not to drink it. The sodium and chloride levels of the water pumped through the taps “exceeded what the World Health Organization considers safe for human consumption.” Bottled water was available and made exempt from taxes, but these quickly became scarce, partly due to panic-buying. The government provided free bottles to the most impoverished communities in affected areas.

Uruguay’s water crisis also had a significant impact on agricultural production. This sector accounts for around 7% of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and 70% of total exports. The lack of water greatly affects agricultural output, especially between the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, “when it declined by 25% on a year-on-year basis.” The lack of water hit soybean production and cattle farming the hardest.

Another significant consequence of Uruguay’s water crisis was the growing political unrest due to poor drinking water quality and negative public perceptions of President Lacalle’s emergency response. Around 60% of the population was affected by the government’s decision to reroute water from rivers for public consumption, with the most vulnerable groups being especially affected. Around 63% of the population condemned the government’s response to the drought, with organized protests and campaigners shouting, “¡No es sequia, es saqueo! — It’s not drought, it’s pillage!”

What Was the Government’s Response?

Short-term solutions were enacted at the height of the drought to address immediate needs. Similarly, the government embarked on a long-term strategy to manage the current emergency and prevent future occurrences. Vowing it is “committed to improving the country’s water infrastructure and resilience to drought,” the government invested $500 million into plans to improve Uruguay’s waterways.

These included renovating sanitation systems, constructing another potable water source for the capital city and more reservoirs and desalination plants. There are also plans to repair damaged pipes to reduce water losses, with reports indicating that around 50% of the state-owned water company’s potable water supplies were lost due to leaks. The company has proposed a plan to reduce this by 25% in the next two decades.

What Role Have International Organizations Played?

During the crisis, the government also called on the Uruguayan Red Cross to help deal with demand and support plans to mitigate the consequences of shortages. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) also approved a $200 million loan “to support a program in Uruguay to boost water security and environmental sustainability.”

This loan aimed to improve water resource management and solid waste management to minimize contamination of potential future drinking water sources. Also, the IDB investment helped to improve Uruguay’s crisis responses, boosting resilience to changing weather dynamics alongside government refurbishments of its water systems.

Final Note

President Luis Lacalle Pou announced the end of the water crisis in August 2023 after three years of shortages and drinking water scarcity. This was mostly due to heavy rainfall in the region, which helped to refill water sources that were gravely depleted. However, the repairs to the water systems and programs to improve water security and management will hopefully pay dividends in the future, protecting Uruguay from the same situation.

– Ciara Howard

Ciara is based in Brighton, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pxhere

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UNICEF and Partners Address Water Crisis in Afghanistan

Water Crisis in AfghanistanAccess to safe water is vital for ensuring good hygiene practices and protection from disease. However, in Afghanistan, water is far from accessible. Afghanistan’s political climate has rendered access to vital resources, such as water, limited across many regions. After years of economic challenge, poor management and political instability, water crisis remains an urgent issue in Afghanistan.

This situation has only worsened with the Taliban’s power resurgence in 2021. However, as of 2024, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF). This collaboration has reduced the water crisis in Afghanistan by supplying sustainable water systems.

Water Crisis in Afghanistan

Clean water is vital; it ensures children are less vulnerable to diseases like diarrhea, which exacerbate malnutrition. However, this resource is difficult to find in remote areas of Afghanistan with very little rainfall. Due to agricultural demands, an over-extraction of groundwater has significantly reduced the water supply from underground aquifers.

Furthermore, changing climatic conditions have depleted available water sources. Afghanistan has held record-breaking droughts for more than two decades. Consequently, only about 42% of Afghans can access safe drinking water.

UNICEF’s Work to Supply Sustainable Water Sources

UNICEF has been working to support Afghanistan for more than 70 years, with increased efforts directed toward water supply in the past few years. It is Afghanistan’s lead provider of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. By installing solar-powered pumps, UNICEF has ensured that the power to access clean water is returned to local communities.

One hundred percent of the facilities are small-scale and solar-powered, meaning the communities can run them. UNICEF has collaborated with 30,000 community-elected councils, ensuring management and decisions regarding the resource remain at the local level.

Partnership With the AHTF

UNICEF has partnered with the AHTF to complete the installation of “Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Water Supply Services in Remote Rural Communities.” This has given more than 30,000 people in 18 remote communities with sustainable water supply systems. The community-elected councils led the construction of these systems.

Community mobilizers supported by UNICEF worked to help the locals on essential parts of the water supply projects. Additionally, local mechanics have been equipped and trained to maintain these systems.

Real Life Application – Fauzia

Each day, 10-year-old Fauzia would walk half an hour to the water tap in the Charkh district, a remote part of the Logar province. She would push a wheelbarrow full of jerry cans to fetch water for her family and wait in a queue for more than an hour. The journey back would mean pushing a heavy wheelbarrow full of water. Only after this does she reach for her school backpack.

As a result of UNICEF’s collaboration with the AHTF, Fauzia doesn’t need to miss any more school time. Now, her family has a new water tap. Safe water is available right in their home from a piped system installed in their village. Fauzia states, “The engineers installed the tap in our house, so now we have water all the time. We can cook whenever we want and I am happy.”

In the coming year, the AFTH, in partnership with UNICEF, will set up water supply systems in 32 remote communities in Faryab, Helmand and Farah provinces. This will support more than 64,000 people, resulting in fewer and fewer people having to make the journey, like Fauzia.

– Amelia Short

Amelia is based in Bradford, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Kalahari Resorts and Conventions’ Partnership with charity: water

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions' Partnership with charity: waterKalahari Resorts and Conventions’ partnership with charity: water on the Water Colors Life Project, aims to provide clean drinking water to 1 million Africans. Kalahari has pledged to raise $50 million for this cause. Since initiating this partnership, Kalahari has supported dozens of water projects in Madagascar, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mali, Tanzania, Malawi and Sierra Leone, bringing drinking water to thousands who previously lacked access.

Charity: Water and Kalahari’s Role

Charity: water, founded in 2006, aims to end the global water crisis by ensuring worldwide access to clean water. This nonprofit organization has funded more than 154,000 water projects in 29 countries, including Haiti, Honduras, Niger and Thailand. As of 2024, it has provided more than 18 million people with access to clean water and this number continues to rise.

Kalahari, an African-themed water park and resort, operates four locations across the United States (U.S.), with a fifth under construction. Inspired by founder Todd Nelson’s visit to Africa in the mid-1990s, the park uniquely combines water attractions with African themes. Nelson and his family opened the first location in Wisconsin Dells in May 2000 and have since expanded their operations.

Kalahari has not yet fulfilled its $50 million pledge, but the company is making significant progress toward doing so, with the assistance of charity: water and its resources. This initiative aims to provide Africans with a stable source of clean water, enabling them to focus more on creativity and education. Ultimately, Kalahari’s efforts will have successfully provided water access to one million Africans.

Empowering Rural Communities

Charity: Water reports that 703 million people globally lack access to clean drinking water, often burdening women and children in African rural areas with the daily task of water collection. This task is time-consuming and the water is frequently contaminated, posing serious health risks. To address this crisis, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions has partnered with charity: water to provide clean drinking water to one million Africans, committing $50 million to equip many rural communities with clean water sources. This initiative aims to reduce the time spent on water collection and the incidence of waterborne diseases. Scott Harrison, CEO of charity: water notes that, “Having a reliable water source close to home allows communities to focus on other imperative needs like education, food resourcing and sustainability and arts and creativity.” 

Enhancing Local Economies and Education

Reliable clean water promotes proper hygiene and healthier communities. When women and children are freed from the task of collecting water, they can explore creative avenues and pursue education. For instance, Kalahari’s commitment to this cause supported the installation of a borehole at the Chitungwiza Art Center in Zimbabwe. This not only provides the community with reliable water but also enables artists to use this resource to create and sell art, generating income. Kalahari has purchased authentic African art for display in its resorts. Additionally, access to clean water allows children more time to attend school, where they learn about hygiene and benefit from facilities like clean bathrooms. This shift from laborious water collection to educational opportunities fosters a more productive learning environment.

Implementation and Community Engagement

Charity: Water collaborates with local partners, including NGOs and nonprofits, to strategically plan and implement water projects in communities. These ongoing initiatives involve drilling wells, installing sand filters, building latrines and setting up water purification systems. The organization works closely with community leaders to foster educational programs on hygiene and ensure the sustainability of water resources through ongoing data collection and community engagement. The ultimate goal of charity: water is to reduce the number of people worldwide without access to clean water. Currently, one in 10 people lacks access to safe drinking water, leading to severe health issues. By providing clean water, charity: water aims to enable more children to pursue education and improve their quality of life. This effort is transformative, especially in regions where access to clean water can be life-changing.

Looking Ahead

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions’ partnership with charity: water, is working to provide clean drinking water to one million Africans. With a $50 million pledge, Kalahari is making substantial progress in supporting water projects across several African countries, including Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Sierra Leone. This initiative is not only improving access to clean water but also empowering communities. By reducing the time spent on water collection, a greater focus can be placed on education and economic activities.

– Sabrina Betterly

Sabrina is based in Drums, PA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Chile’s Water Reform is Reducing Poverty

Chile's Water ReformIn recent years, Chile has faced significant challenges related to water scarcity, with more than half of its population living in areas experiencing severe drought conditions. Recognizing the importance of sustainable water management, the country has implemented reforms since 2022 to address water scarcity and improve quality across the nation. These ongoing reforms, supported generously by the World Bank, have enhanced water resources and played a crucial role in reducing poverty to foster a more equitable future.

Modernizing the Water Code

On Jan. 12, 2022, Chile undertook a major overhaul of its Water Code, a legislative framework that governs the use and distribution of the country’s water resources. The updated code prioritizes human consumption and sanitation needs over agricultural and industrial uses, recognizing the human right to water and improving allocation mechanisms among different sectors. These changes are designed to protect the most vulnerable populations, ensuring they can access clean and sufficient water supplies. 

Chile’s water reform essentially enshrined the right to water in its constitution. This legislative guarantee provides a strong legal foundation for water management policies and ensures that future governments prioritize the protection and equitable distribution of water resources.

Investing in Infrastructure

Investment in water infrastructure has been a cornerstone of Chile’s reform efforts. The government has allocated substantial funds toward developing and maintaining water systems, including reservoirs, pipelines and treatment plants. By enhancing infrastructure, Chile has been able to capture better, store and distribute water, mitigating the impacts of drought and ensuring a reliable supply of clean water to both urban and rural communities. Additionally, Chile has embraced green infrastructure solutions, such as reforestation, wetland restoration and green spaces in urban areas. These ongoing efforts help to naturally regulate water cycles, improve quality and increase groundwater recharge. Chile is building resilience against the changing climate by integrating green infrastructure and creating sustainable water systems that benefit the environment and local communities.

The World Bank Finances the Hydrogen Industry

The World Bank plays a pivotal role in supporting Chile’s water reform efforts. Through financial assistance, technical expertise and capacity-building initiatives, it has helped Chile achieve 100% treatment of urban wastewater, a significant milestone in improving water quality and protecting public health. This accomplishment has been instrumental in reducing waterborne diseases and enhancing the overall well-being of urban populations.

The World Bank’s $150 million loan to Chile is a significant step toward advancing the country’s green hydrogen industry and supporting its broader environmental and economic goals. This loan is part of a larger initiative, the Chile Green Hydrogen Facility to Support A Green, Resilient and Inclusive Economic Development project, which aims to position Chile as a global leader in green hydrogen production. The project’s primary objective is to harness Chile’s abundant renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind power, to produce green hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy source that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact on Poverty Reduction

Chile’s water reform policies have had a positive impact on poverty reduction, particularly in rural areas where access to clean water has historically been limited. By ensuring reliable and safe water supplies, these policies have improved the quality of life for many Chileans. Access to clean water is essential for health, education and economic opportunities. In rural areas, improved water access has enabled communities to engage in agriculture more effectively, increasing food security and income. In urban areas, enhanced water infrastructure has supported economic activities and improved living conditions, contributing to poverty alleviation.

Looking Ahead

Chile’s comprehensive water reforms, bolstered by substantial investments in infrastructure and support from the World Bank, have significantly improved water access and quality. These ongoing efforts have not only addressed the immediate impacts of drought but also laid the groundwork for sustainable water management. By prioritizing human consumption and integrating green infrastructure, Chile is enhancing resilience against the changing climate and fostering equitable development, particularly benefiting the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

– Asiya Siddiqui

Asiya is based in Fremont, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 NGOs Fighting the Water Crisis in Eswatini

3 NGOs Fighting the Water Crisis in EswatiniEswatini, a small country in southern Africa formerly known as Swaziland, grapples with two major challenges: a water crisis and a high HIV/AIDS prevalence. In 2023, 40% of rural communities in Eswatini lacked access to clean water and 25% of the existing sanitation infrastructure, including toilets and water taps, was nonfunctional. Reliefweb reports that Eswatini has endured a prolonged drought that has severely impacted agriculture and compounded ongoing socio-economic difficulties. As of Nov. 2023, ACAPS classified food insecurity in Eswatini as high, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to these pressing issues.

3 NGOs Fighting Eswatini’s Water Crisis

  1. WaterAid. WaterAid is a nonprofit organization with more than 40 years of experience in water sanitation and hygiene projects. The organization launched initiatives in 2022 to construct or improve wells and hand pumps across multiple communities in Eswatini. These ongoing efforts aimed to benefit 5,500 residents by enhancing access to clean, sustainable water. Additionally, they aimed to foster a sense of community responsibility for their upkeep. The WaterAid team in Eswatini has developed programs that empower locals to manage and maintain their water sources, focusing on sustainability and long-term care.
  2. Thirst Project. Thirst Project is actively addressing Eswatini’s water crisis by constructing freshwater wells in underdeveloped communities. The nonprofit collaborates with locals to identify existing water sources, install pumps and manage borehole drilling. Using existing water sources reduces environmental impact and lowers costs. In areas without accessible water, the team drills narrow, deep holes to reach underground water, installing pumps to bring it to the surface. After establishing water access, Thirst Project hands over project management to the community, with staff continuing to perform regular checks and provide maintenance support as necessary.
  3. Sanitation and Water for All (SWA). SWA, a collaborative effort among countries, donors and organizations, is dedicated to providing clean water and sanitation. It employs a well-defined strategy to ensure accountability, coordinated efforts and efficient use of funds. Since partnering with SWA in 2017, Eswatini has set ambitious targets. The targets include increasing sanitation coverage from 53% to 85% of the population, reducing open defecation from 11% to 5%, developing a Portable Water Supply and Sanitation plan by 2020 and boosting access to potable water by 2% annually. SWA is monitoring the progress made toward these objectives, marking significant strides in addressing Eswatini’s water crisis.

Looking Ahead

Efforts to tackle the water crisis in Eswatini show promise through the collaborative work of NGOs like WaterAid, Thirst Project and SWA. These organizations focus on improving water access and sanitation infrastructure, essential for the well-being of rural communities. With ongoing support and strategic initiatives, Eswatini aims to significantly enhance clean water availability. Initiatives will also improve sanitation coverage, whilst addressing critical public health challenges.

– Sophia Manole

Sophia is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tackling Global Water Scarcity: Innovations and Challenges

Tackling Global Water Scarcity: Innovations and ChallengesCurrently, more than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safely managed drinking water. Furthermore, 3.6 billion lack access to sanitation services. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that diarrhea-related diseases, cause about 480,000 deaths annually among children under 5. These deaths are preventable through simple sanitation, proper hygiene and access to safe water. Due to insufficient resources, many communities face high disease and mortality rates. The United Nations (U.N.) World Water Development Report’s 2023 edition warns that global water scarcity issues could potentially affect up to 2.4 billion people, doubling from 930 million, if no action is taken.

Changing Climate and Water Scarcity

The changing climate intensifies water scarcity by increasing the frequency of extreme flooding and droughts. According to the U.N., extreme drought will likely expand its coverage across the land steadily. Water-related disasters cause nearly 70% of all deaths linked to natural disasters. In the last two decades, the occurrence of flood-related disasters has increased by 134%. Asia is particularly affected, suffering significant flood-related deaths and economic losses. Simultaneously, many countries facing challenges with safe sanitation and water access also suffer from these water-based disasters, leading to deaths, economic damages and health issues due to floods and droughts.

The Condon Hydrology Lab

Laura Condon, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona, is committed to developing water sustainability tools. Leading the Condon Hydrology Lab, her research group focuses on studying the availability and sustainability of freshwater resources. As a specialist in groundwater research, she understands that watershed behaviors in today’s changing climate could unlock new solutions to water scarcity.

Laura Condon co-leads “Hydroframe,” a project that works in tandem with the “Hydrogen” modeling platform to simulate watershed system forecasts. Condon is enthusiastic about developing new methods to enhance the speed and accuracy of seasonal forecasts. She notes that the pursuit of sustainable water management has been a long-standing concern and her team at the Hydrology Lab is at the forefront of this research. By testing these innovations in America, the project aims not only to address domestic water scarcity but also to expand its impact globally, helping to alleviate water scarcity worldwide.

Looking Ahead

Ensuring access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation for billions of people could address the global water scarcity crisis. Innovations in hydrological research, such as those pioneered by Laura Condon, aim to create sustainable water management solutions. By improving the accuracy of water resource forecasts and developing effective conservation strategies, these ongoing efforts can potentially combat water scarcity and enhance resilience against the changing climate, securing vital resources for future generations.

– Hailey Nurry

Hailey is based in Pennsylvania, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Water Crisis in Turkana, Kenya

Water Crisis in TurkanaThe largest county in Kenya, Turkana, is situated in the northwestern corner of the country, bordering Ethiopia, South Sudan and Uganda. Turkana is widely recognized as “the cradle of mankind” as prolific evidence of the existence of hominids has been found here, dating back to over four million years ago. The people inhabiting this region are nomadic pastoralists, relying on the animals they raise for food and income.  They move two to three times a year to avoid exhausting the land’s resources and traditionally chase the rain with their livestock. 

As explained in “The Journal of African History,” published by Cambridge University, the Turkana people actively resisted and defied the occupation of their land by imperial forces of British-occupied East Africa during the 1920s and ‘30s. This resistance followed a series of conflicts with 19th century traders and explorers.  During Britain’s colonization of Kenya, the Turkana region was largely left untouched. In addition to the people’s opposition to British rule, the arid climate was unfavorable to colonizers and deemed without value to anyone besides the Turkana people themselves. 

Effects of a Long-Lasting Drought

Droughts have been well documented in the Turkana region of Kenya since the 1960s, projected to occur every five years. However, droughts have become an annual occurrence since the 1990s. The most recent drought began in 2020 and had killed an estimated 439,400 livestock by mid-2022. Considering the importance of livestock in this region, a crisis of hunger and water scarcity has catapulted conflicts over vital resources between pastoralists. 

Vegetation cannot withstand the extreme temperatures of the desert and livestock is unavailable to slaughter or sell, positioning Turkana’s residents in a threatening situation. According to the Rockefeller Foundation, 60% of Turkana’s population is experiencing acute hunger and food insecurity, which places their lives in immediate danger if food cannot be accessed and consumed. It is not uncommon for people to subsist on local fruit trees and insects.

The Impacts of Corruption

Most of the Turkana people rely on boreholes constructed by the government or development organizations. According to the Water, Peace and Security report, water in Kenya is drilled by the government and handed down to elected water user officials who regulate the use of the water points. A combination of poor borehole management and limited rainfall has lowered the water table of wells, exacerbating the water crisis in Turkana.  People often travel long distances to access these points of water, which are often high in salinity and low in water quantity.  It is not uncommon for locals to climb into these wells to access water.  These people are subject to extreme danger, risking falling or getting trapped below the Earth’s surface, as these wells may reach hundreds of feet deep.

In addition to these challenges, water cartels, known as Nakanas, are prevalent. Though water is ideally managed by regional committees, these cartels regularly redirect water to themselves for sale, preventing people from accessing water points. Influential businessmen and politicians also guard access to boreholes, illegally diverting water for their benefit.

Scare Resources Drive Conflict

The largest permanent desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana is at the fingertips of Northern Kenyans. The river stretches into Southwestern Ethiopia, feeding into the Omo River. The Omo River is subject to rising water levels due to deforestation and erratic rainfall in Ethiopia. Overflow from the Omo permeates Lake Turkana, altering the salinity of the water and thus changing breeding patterns among fish.  Fishing communities have been forced to migrate to new areas to sustain their livelihoods, creating conflicts between the Turkana people and those residing along Ethiopia’s border. Intercommunal conflicts along the Turkana-West Pokot and Samburu-Baringo borders also exist as tribes compete over scarce resources. 

Amid the water crisis in Turkana, multiple organizations are committed to improving the lives of those impacted by the drought. Several teams have been working on the ground to improve the food and water security of the population.  

Keep IT Cool

A Google-backed startup based in Nairobi, known as Keep IT Cool, is transforming the food industry in Northern Kenya. The organization operates as a decentralized cold-chain company and food distributor. Keep IT Cool serves Turkana’s pastoralists by providing fisherfolk with reliable transportation and freezers to prevent spoilage during the transport to Nairobi. To help fisherfolk support themselves and their families, the company also pays 20-30 more Kenyan shillings per kilogram of fish than the local asking price.

WaterCredit Initiative

Water.org’s WaterCredit Initiative is helping people in 11 countries access affordable loans for clean water. The organization works with in-country financial companies and water service providers to add loans for water and varying sanitation solutions to their businesses. Water.org has been working to tackle the water crisis in Turkana and other regions throughout Kenya since 2005. The initiative has successfully provided 6.6 million people access to clean water and sanitation.

– Sophia Loizos
Photo: Flickr