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Solar-Powered Water Desalination: A Solution to Water Scarcity

Solar-Powered Water DesalinationWater scarcity is a pressing issue affecting millions of people worldwide. This is particularly the case in coastal regions where seawater is abundant but fresh water is scarce. As populations grow and adverse climatic conditions intensify, the demand for freshwater continues to rise, exacerbating this challenge. One promising solution to this problem is solar-powered water desalination, which harnesses renewable energy to produce clean drinking water from seawater.

The Basics of Desalination

Desalination is the process of removing salt and other impurities from seawater to produce fresh water. There are several methods of desalination, but the most common are reverse osmosis and thermal desalination. Reverse osmosis involves forcing seawater through a semipermeable membrane that filters out salt and other impurities. In contrast, thermal desalination involves heating seawater to produce steam, which is then condensed into fresh water.

Integrating solar power into desalination processes can significantly reduce the environmental impact and operating costs associated with traditional desalination methods, which often rely on fossil fuels. Solar energy can be used to power the pumps and membranes in reverse osmosis systems or to provide the heat needed for thermal desalination.

Kenya and Bangladesh

In the coastal region of Kenya, the solar-powered desalination plant in the town of Kiunga has been providing clean drinking water to thousands of residents. This project, initiated by the nonprofit organization GivePower, uses solar panels to generate electricity for reverse osmosis desalination. The project is capable of producing up to 35,000 liters of fresh water daily.

In Bangladesh, where freshwater scarcity is a critical issue in coastal areas, a solar-powered desalination plant was established on the remote island of Kutubdia. This plant, supported by the World Bank and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), provides fresh water to the island’s inhabitants each day. The project showcases the feasibility of using renewable energy to address water scarcity in vulnerable regions, significantly improving the quality of life for local communities.

Environmental Benefits of Solar-Powered Desalination

Utilizing solar energy for desalination offers numerous environmental benefits compared to traditional methods that depend on fossil fuels. One of the most significant advantages is the reduction of carbon emissions. Solar-powered desalination plants emit little to no greenhouse gasses, contributing to the fight against the rise in the average earth’s surface temperature.

Additionally, solar energy is a renewable resource, which means it can provide a sustainable and long-term solution to water scarcity without depleting natural resources. Moreover, the ecological footprint of solar-powered desalination is smaller than that of conventional desalination. By minimizing the use of fossil fuels, solar desalination reduces the pollution and environmental degradation associated with fossil fuel extraction and combustion.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its potential, solar-powered desalination faces several challenges and limitations. The initial setup costs for solar desalination plants can be high, which may deter investment in developing countries with limited financial resources. Maintenance and operation of these systems also require technical expertise, which might not be readily available in remote or impoverished areas.

However, these challenges are not insurmountable. Advances in technology and economies of scale can reduce the costs of solar panels and desalination equipment over time. Additionally, capacity-building initiatives and international cooperation can help develop the necessary technical skills and infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of solar-powered desalination.

Final Remark

The successful implementation of solar-powered desalination projects in Kenya and Bangladesh illustrates the technology’s potential to provide a sustainable solution to water scarcity in coastal regions. By investing in and supporting the deployment of these innovations, policymakers and international organizations can help combat global water shortages and improve the quality of life for millions of people.

To ensure the scalability and adaptability of this promising technology, it is crucial to continue researching and developing cost-effective solutions, fostering international collaboration and prioritizing the needs of vulnerable communities. With concerted efforts, solar-powered desalination can play a vital role in securing a sustainable water future for coastal regions worldwide.

– Chelsea Rasool

Chelsea is based in Belfast, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Rainwater Harvesting: WOGI’s Southern Madagascar Project

Rainwater HarvestingSouthern Madagascar is facing its worst drought in 40 years, with 70% of the Malagasy people lacking access to clean water for drinking, hygiene and sanitation. This scarcity has caused water prices to skyrocket to 15 times the average price, exacerbating the crisis. Even in schools, 81% of people don’t have access to clean water to drink and wash their hands. In response to this dire situation, Wings of Grace International (WOGI), a nonprofit organization, is helping communities in Southern Madagascar obtain access to clean water through an innovative rainwater harvesting process.

About WOGI

WOGI is a Christian nonprofit organization founded and based in Le Chable, Valais, Switzerland, by Tasmin Keshavjee. Its mission is to identify islands lacking accessible drinking water and distribute tanks to harvest rainwater sustainably. Since 2008, WOGI has placed 1423 water stations on nine different islands worldwide, supplying 1.523 million liters of clean drinking water to remote communities in need.

The organization provides free 1000-liter/250-gallon PVC tanks that are designed to last 30-40 years and have proper maintenance. This approach offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to purchasing expensive jerry cans of fresh water, which would be prohibitively expensive for people with very limited daily income.

In 2011, WOGI expanded its efforts to help alleviate the water crisis in Southern Madagascar, distributing 184 1000-liter rainwater harvesting tanks. Building on this initial success, WOGI aims to provide an additional 250 tanks to the territory in 2024, reaching more remote communities across the Tulear region.

Rainwater Harvesting Process and Tank Maintenance

WOGI’s rainwater harvesting process is both simple and effective. In unindustrialized areas, rainwater is typically safe to drink without chemical treatment. However, proper maintenance is crucial to ensure water safety. When it begins to rain, the tanks are kept closed for the first 5-10 minutes to avoid contamination from roof dust. A mosquito net is then placed over the intake hole to prevent insects from entering. Each 1000-liter tank is typically shared by about 100 people, providing approximately 10 liters of water per person. In cases where fewer people share a tank, chlorine tablets are added to preserve the water if it has been exposed to heat for multiple days.

WOGI trains locals on proper tank maintenance, including setting tanks on a base of stones and mud, supporting the seal with cement for flood protection and covering empty tanks with banana leaves or a thatched roof to prevent sun damage and interference from children or animals. The tanks are thoroughly cleaned once or twice a year. To ensure ongoing proper maintenance, WOGI has partnered with local organizations, such as the Anglican Church of Madagascar, to oversee the project’s progress.

Impact

The introduction of these tanks has dramatically improved lives in Southern Madagascar. While the amount of water each person receives may seem modest, it represents a significant improvement over previous conditions. Many residents previously had to drink from contaminated puddles or travel long distances for fresh water. Keshavjee recounts: “I’ve seen one man riding a bike to go and fetch water for multiple households in the heat of the day. Apparently, he had to ride about 20 km to reach the water point, fill the jerry cans (at least 10-15) and then make the ride back to deliver them. This was on an old-style bike which had no gears.”

With these tanks, people can now store fresh water during rainy seasons, providing a reliable source of clean water – a luxury they did not have before. Keshavjee adds, “When we distribute tanks, the joy is palpable as they recognize that their lives are going to change dramatically. Occasionally we get a message or some pictures from our leaders to let us know that during a crisis, our tanks have been a huge help.”

Looking Ahead

Despite ongoing drought and water scarcity in Southern Madagascar, WOGI’s rainwater tanks have significantly improved daily lives, reducing water-fetching time and protecting communities from waterborne diseases. Although faith-based, WOGI ensures all community members have access to fresh water, regardless of personal beliefs. The organization remains committed to expanding its reach, with plans to reach more remote areas and reduce the number of people sharing each tank. By providing communities with means to collect and store rainwater, WOGI meets immediate needs while fostering long-term resilience and community development.

– Lauren Thompson

Lauren is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Targeting Poverty and the Environment in South Africa

Environment in South AfricaUnemployment has been a persistent concern in South Africa. At the same time, South Africa is a water-scarce nation facing inconsistent rainfall, which disproportionately affects the country’s impoverished population. To address poverty and the environment in South Africa, the nation launched the Working for Water (WfW) program in 1995. This has expanded to larger environmental and social employment programs that are still effective today.

Impacts of the WfW Program

The WfW program hires unemployed persons to remove invasive plant species, thereby providing income while targeting pressing environmental concerns. These plant species deplete water resources in an already water-scare nation, limiting water supply for health and economic needs. In addition to water, the invasive plant species also threaten biodiversity and ecosystems. They contribute to soil erosion and obstruct grasslands used for livestock grazing. The program also has social targets, seeking to hire at least 5% disabled persons, 20% youth and 60% women, with baby chrèches provided for mothers with young children.

The program has successfully targeted poverty and the environment in South Africa. According to the South African government, 20,000 jobs have been created through the WfW program. Furthermore, 52% of participants were women. It has removed more than one million hectares of invasive plant species, which, as of 2010, has helped the nation retain more than 46 million cubic meters of water and prevent $22.7 billion of national income from being lost.

The Working for Energy Program

With the success of the WfW program, the government has rolled out additional “Working for” programs to target poverty and the environment in South Africa. One notable example is the Working for Energy program, which was inspired by the leftover biomass from the WfW program. This program focuses on providing low-income families with electricity generated from renewable sources.

The initiative is projected to generate 720 megawatts (MW) of electricity and create 50,000 jobs, demonstrating a sustainable approach to both energy production and economic development. In addition to Working for Energy, programs have been implemented targeting wetlands, fire, the coast and waste. In total, these programs are expected to create 230,000 public employment opportunities by 2025.

The Expanded Public Works Program

With the success of the “Working for” programs, the South African government established the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) following the Growth and Development Summit in 2003. This initiative continues to create employment opportunities under the summit’s goal of “more jobs, better jobs, decent work for all.” The EPWP targets additional sectors of the environment, which now runs the “Working for” programs, including Infrastructure, Social and Nonstate. The EPWP continues to be successful, having achieved its goal of the creation of one million jobs ahead of schedule in 2008.

Looking Ahead

Despite such successes, challenges lay ahead. Though the EPWP presents employment opportunities, larger structural concerns are at play. Unemployment rates have been rising in the last 20 years, currently sitting at 32.9%. Water shortages are also becoming increasingly common. Furthermore, though the expansion of EPWP can create some permanent employment, most of the jobs it provides for the unemployed are temporary.

The United Nations Development Programme claims that the program can benefit from additional skills training to help its beneficiaries switch into employment outside of the EPWP. However, the “Working for” programs and its continued development as the EPWP remains an innovative measure. It is frequently cited as one of the leading examples globally of simultaneously targeting poverty and environmental concerns.

– Imme Koolenbrander

Imme is based in Beijing, China and focuses on Business and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Aquapreneurs Address Water Scarcity

AquapreneursAccess to clean water is a critical issue worldwide, especially in low-income countries located in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region, such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. The state of global freshwater is under threat due to the changing climate and anthropogenic activities. Globally, the world’s largest freshwater withdrawals come from agriculture (70%), industry (just less than 20%) and domestic use (approximately 12%). However, aquapreneurs are addressing water scarcity by creating innovative solutions to manage and distribute water resources efficiently.

The surge in demand for freshwater stems primarily from a combination of socioeconomic development, industrial growth and consumption patterns. The high demand stems from cities, urban areas and regions experiencing fast economic growth. The consequences of this high demand and withdrawal of water leave approximately 50% of the global population with water scarcity for at least one month a year. This can put areas under water stress, which creates a decrease in social stability, an increase in migration and a decrease in work, as 80% of jobs in low-income countries are water-dependent. More than 33% of African countries are considered to be “water-insecure” as the changing climate increases temperatures and precipitation.

The United Nations (U.N.) warns that a global water crisis is imminent and poses severe risks to food security, diseases and livelihoods. Global warming exacerbates the water crisis by amplifying the water cycle, resulting in higher amounts of water vapor. This directly impacts Earth’s weather patterns, heating (temperature) and precipitation levels (creates excessive flooding and droughts). In response to these challenges, Aquapreneurs are creating innovative solutions to conserve and manage water resources.

Aquapreneurs and the Global Freshwater Challenge

The World Economic Forum collaborated with UpLink to help solve some of the world’s most difficult challenges, such as water scarcity. The Global Freshwater Challenge was launched in 2022. It is a five-year Innovation Initiative that seeks to make freshwater ecosystems healthier and more resilient. This challenge was the first of five parts and out of 198 submissions, 10 winners were chosen. Here are three of the winning innovations for the Horn of Africa and the Sahel Region:

Wateroam Pte Ltd

The company Wateroam created a portable (weighing about five kg) filtration pump to bring safe drinking water to disaster zones and rural communities. The manual pump has an ultrafiltration chamber that can remove 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, including E. Coli and salmonella microbes. The water is ready to drink immediately after filtering and is cheap and easy to use. It is currently used in more than 40 countries, including South Africa. It is helping more than 200,000 people worldwide.

Openversum

Openversum has developed a water filtration system that is currently being used in Somalia and Uganda. The filter can be locally manufactured. It is capable of removing contaminants such as pathogens, heavy metals, pesticides and micropollutants from water. This is an important development, as poor sanitation and inadequate wastewater treatment can increase the risk of diarrheal disease. The manufacturing costs of the filter are low and create job opportunities in affected areas.

Majik Water Technologies

Majik Water is a women-led organization that uses technology to produce water from the air in arid and semi-arid regions in Kenya. Extraction of fresh water from the air is safer than groundwater extraction because groundwater contains high levels of arsenic and fluoride. The technology acts as a dehumidifier. It draws air into the machine through an electrostatic filter, passes over refrigerated coils and then builds moisture on the coils.

Finally, the water is deposited into a holding tank. Currently, 90% of Kenya’s water sources are depleted, which increases malnutrition and the risk of disease. Yet, with this technology, more than 200,000 liters of clean drinking water is being produced each month cost-effectively and efficiently using solar thermal energy.

Conclusion

Water is an essential part of sustaining life. The Global Freshwater Challenge empowers Aquapreneurs to address water scarcity by developing innovative solutions to help ensure access to clean drinking water. UpLink continues to feature innovation challenges to provide Aquapreneurs the opportunity to showcase their work for increased exposure and the potential for financial rewards. 

– Gabrielle Schwartz

Gabrielle is based in Tallahassee, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Lake Chad’s Water Supply: Scarcity and Solutions

Lake Chad's Water SupplyChad, or The Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in central-northern Africa. The nation is mostly flat terrain and it is made up of deserts and wetlands. The wetlands, and in particular, Lake Chad, are a great source of water for the country’s residents. Unfortunately, over the last few decades, Lake Chad’s water supply has been diminishing. Not only is the lake experiencing severe pollution, it is also drying up. This has led to a humanitarian crisis. 

Problems Rising

Lake Chad reaches across the majority of the southern region of Chad, and it also covers and supplies water to areas of people who live much farther north and also in the neighboring countries of Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria. In January of 2023, the World Bank surmised that Lake Chad’s water supply supports, “an estimated 30 million people whose livelihoods are closely linked to agricultural, herding and fishing activities.”

These 30 million people are now being drastically affected by the extreme loss that natural disasters have produced. According to the United Nations in 2019, “The water body has diminished by 90% since the 1960s due to overuse” and drought. Since they can no longer find food or clean water, competition for these needs has created conflict in the region and the lack of water has also led to unsanitary conditions. 

Conditions Currently

The conditions of Lake Chad are not only hostile because of nature. Lack of water has an extreme effect on the human body and children can be among the most vulnerable. UNICEF’s “For Every Child” program shared that a lack of adequate water could cause extreme diarrhoeal disease and malabsorption phenomena, as well as extreme and chronic malnutrition. Additionally, in 2021, Down To Earth published an article explaining the way Chad’s residents have been forced to comply with extremist groups in the region due to their newfound desperation. Apparently, in previous years, residents were likely to migrate for fresh water and food sources when necessary. Now, they are blocked into certain areas by terrorist groups. They have no ability to find new resources, so they must find ways to sustain Lake Chad. 

Solutions to Scarcity

In response to the water scarcity Chad faces, they have taken steps toward being sustainable and resourceful. In 2018, Chad became the first African country to join The Water Convention, which is serviced by the United Nations. This showed promise that “Chad has confirmed its strong commitment to the sustainable management of transboundary waters through the principles and rules of international law.” This will hopefully guide the use of the water to be sanctioned with more cooperation, as opposed to conflict. 

Additionally, there are many towns making efforts of their own. The town of Bol, for example, has a community farm with water provided by The Agency of the Great Green Wall. They are also restoring the land in order to make the ground more fertile. Finally, “they have constructed underground cisterns and implemented drip irrigation systems, enabling them to grow crops even in the driest seasons.” 

Overall, it would seem that water management is a key component of addressing Lake Chad’s water supply.

These progressions are slow but meaningful. Given time and cooperation, the people who rely on Lake Chad for water, fishing and daily life may be able to achieve a solution to the water crisis they face. With the natural disasters, sustainable tactics will be vital for restoring Lake Chad. 

– Rachel Breeden
Photo: Flickr

Water Scarcity in Peru: Nature-Based Solutions

Water Scarcity in PeruAlthough a country with diverse biodiversity and a rich supply of natural resources like copper, gold and lithium, water scarcity plagues Peru for many reasons, ranging from inadequate agricultural practices to climate change. With a humid and tropical climate, Peru has an increased risk of evaporation, meaning water and vegetation are more susceptible to drying out. However, there have been several domestic and international efforts to use nature-based solutions to tackle the problem of water scarcity. 

Problems of Water Scarcity 

From deforestation to political instability, Peru’s situation is dire. UNICEF found that 48% of Peru’s population (16 million) lacks access to reliable, safe water sources. Consequently, water scarcity restricts access to safe, drinkable water and the ability to practice basic hygiene. Moreover, this leads to further problems like sewage system failures, increasing the threat of contracting diseases like cholera. This increased threat takes a much more significant toll on women and children because they are responsible for collecting it. This issue raises further problems such as school attendance and lack of education. 

Innovative Nature-Based Solutions and Reforestation 

The Peruvian city of Moyobamba has tackled the problem of water scarcity in Peru through a tariff system in which locals are charged the equivalent of around $0.30 per month as part of their water bill. Moyobamba then uses the money to invest directly in watershed and rainforest conservation initiatives. As one of Peru’s first nature-based solutions (NbS) used for watershed maintenance, it has become the country’s model to copy. The project in Moyobamba has led the government to scale these NbS to a national level and, subsequently, a model for other Latin American countries with similar climates to imitate and use as inspiration to tackle water shortages. 

Other Humanitarian Efforts and Initiatives

Water.org has disbursed loans for indoor bathrooms, water and sewage connections and tanks for water collection and storage. Moreover, their future plans provide great hope for improving water scarcity in Peru. Expanding partnerships with local financial institutions will make water and sanitation systems more accessible to a broader population. UNICEF has also encouraged climate resilience through projects like the construction of flood-resilient ECOSAN latrines and the protection of freshwater sources in the Peruvian Amazon. 

Moreover, a community initiative to restore ancient water supplies in the Andes has successfully delivered increased water supplies from the tops of mountain slopes to increase water availability downslope during drier months.

This method of restoration of ancient canal systems, believed to predate the Inca empire, also known as mamanteos, has previously been used to combat water shortages in cities like Lima, the second-largest desert city in the world. 

Looking Ahead 

Although Peru is subject to an inherently humid, tropical climate, which subjects it to a higher chance of climate problems like drought and deforestation, nature-based projects like the one in Moyobamba open up many doors for other regions in Peru and countries across Latin America to look towards nature-based solutions as a way to combat water scarcity. 

More funding by international and domestic organizations for such innovative projects is crucial to fighting water shortages throughout Peru and Latin America. 

– Amber Hamed
Photo: Flickr

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Combating the Worldwide Water Crisis

Worldwide Water CrisisCurrently, there is a worldwide water crisis, as 771 million people face a total lack of access to safe water. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three people worldwide does not have access to safe drinking water. The global water crisis has far-reaching consequences for communities across the globe, such as contaminated water-borne diseases, health issues like dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as economic difficulties. Families may have to spend a significant amount of their income on buying bottled water or traveling lost distances to collect water, which can make it challenging for them to fulfill other basic needs, including food, shelter and education.

Affecting Women and Girls

In addition, water scarcity disproportionately affects women and girls because they often experience the burden of collecting water. Spending hours of their days walking to obtain water for their families often limits their opportunities for education, work and social activities. Unsafe sanitation also poses a threat to women and girls, as they face a higher risk of abuse and assault when having to use outdoor toilets or sharing facilities with men and boys.

In 2009, actor Matt Damon and engineer Gary White founded Water.org, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide access to safe water and sanitation to people in developing countries. Water.org combats the global water crisis across 11 countries through affordable market-based solutions.

Global Water Crisis in Numbers

The following five statistics put into perspective the pervasiveness and danger of the water crisis.

  1. Approximately 2 billion people worldwide lack access to clean water, and 3.4 billion do not have proper sanitation facilities, according to Water for People.
  2. According to reports, one in six health care facilities does not have handwashing stations or toilets, which puts millions of people seeking help for health issues at an even greater risk.
  3. Water for People reports that “3.4 million deaths occur each year from water-related diseases.”
  4. On average, women living in rural Africa walk 3.7 miles every day to collect water and carry 40 pounds of it back to their families.
  5. By 2025, half of the global population could live in regions confronted with water scarcity. Furthermore, by 2040, over a quarter of the world’s children will “live in areas of extremely high water stress.”

Water.org combats the global water crisis with urgency and innovation in an effort to reduce the grand scale of water scarcity worldwide.

Water.org’s Mission and Formula

Working in 11 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, Water.org combats the global water crisis through market-based solutions to empower communities and make access to safe water and sanitation sustainable. The organization offers two loan programs—WaterCredit and WaterEquity—that have distinct goals and serve different groups of borrowers.

WaterCredit provides small loans to families in developing countries, who lack access to traditional credit and cannot afford to pay upfront for water and sanitation solutions, such as wells, pumps, and toilets. Families repay these loans over time, with the expectation that the borrower will eventually become financially stable enough (now that they can devote their time to other efforts besides collecting water) to repay the loan in full.

The WaterEquity program is an impact investing project that provides funding for water and sanitation enterprises to scale solutions to reach more people. Investors offer small loans for water and sanitation that are repaid over time, potentially receiving a financial return.

WaterEquity helps to attract private capital to the water and sanitation sector, promoting innovation and expanding access to safe water and sanitation. According to Water.org, “The investor can potentially receive a financial return, or re-invest to further their social impact.” This initiative provides sustainable solutions to the global water crisis and offers an “attractive risk-return profile to investors.”

Impact and Achievements

As of 2023, Water.org has provided access to safe water and sanitation to over 55 million people in 11 countries, according to its website. Water.org’s primary initiative, WaterCredit, has helped to mobilize over $4.4 billion in capital for water and sanitation projects. Water.org has enabled communities around the globe to take control of their own solutions and break the cycle of poverty caused by a lack of access to safe water and sanitation.

India’s water crisis is particularly severe. Nearly 600 million people face high to extreme water stress, and “nearly 200,000 people in India die each year due to inadequate access to safe water.” In addition, by 2030, the water demand in India could be “twice the available supply.”

On the bright side, Water.org’s efforts against the global water crisis include 31 local partners in India. Water.org has helped more than 21 million people gain access to safe water and sanitation.

The organization combats the global water crisis through innovative solutions that generate long-lasting and life-changing effects for families worldwide. Overall, the continued efforts of organizations like Water.org present hope for a future where safe water and sanitation are accessible to all.

– Skye Connors
Photo: Flickr

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How Water Scarcity Affects Women and Children

Water Scarcity
Multiple factors can cause water scarcity including “collapsed infrastructure, distribution systems, contamination, conflict, poor management of water resources, climate change and human interference” according to UNICEF. Water scarcity is common even in well-developed countries. Water scarcity limits access to clean water used for basic hygiene, cooking and cleaning.

The lack of water resources affects hospitals, homes, restaurants, schools and sewage systems. Additionally, water scarcity takes a toll on the economy because of its high value. However, it affects women and children more than anything. Women and children are the sole providers of water and often walk miles to retrieve it. Therefore, children are spending countless hours outside of school, exposing them to unsafe places and exploitation.

UN-Water Summary Progress Report July 2021

The U.N.-Water Summary Progress Report category of drinking water in 2020 stated that 26% of the global population or 2 billion people, did not have access to clean drinking water services. The sanitation category reported that 3.6 billion people or 46% of the global population lacked sanitation services with 494 million people openly defecating in 2020. Furthermore, 2.3 billion people lacked access to a handwashing system with soap and water in 2020. One final note from the hygiene category detailed that 44% of global wastewater did not receive adequate treatment in 2020.

The 2021 U.N.-Water Summary report also mentioned that there is inadequate research on the safety of our groundwater coming from lakes, rivers, streams, etc. Global water-use efficiency has only improved by 10% since 2015. The water stress category outlined that 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed areas in 2020. In the 2020 integrated-water management category, U.N.-Water detailed how 107 countries are not on track to have achieved sustainable water sources by 2030. From 2015 to 2019, there was only a 9% increase in international cooperation with 14 out of 109 countries participating in water and sanitation decision-making.

UNICEF Water Scarcity Key Facts

  • At least one month every year, 4 billion people, two-thirds of the world’s population, experience severe water scarcity.
  • In countries where water supply is deficient, 2 billion people may experience water shortages.
  • As soon as 2025, half of the global population could potentially reside in areas experiencing water scarcity.
  • In 2030, a proposed 7 million people could face displacement from water scarcity.

UNICEF Water Scarcity Response

While there are many reasons for water shortages, UNICEF is working to provide new technology that reaches countries where people are experiencing water scarcity in seven ways. As a first glance, UNICEF is working to identify new water resources through remote sensing, geographical surveys and field investigations. Also, UNICEF is striving to produce efficient water sources that “reduce water leakage and contamination promoting wastewater reuse for agriculture to protect groundwater.”

Furthermore, UNICEF is planning for future water scarcity needs. For instance, UNICEF is expanding technologies to support water sources that can withstand our changing climate. With this in mind, UNICEF is educating schools and communities on water scarcity. On a larger scale, UNICEF is preparing for “national water needs” for domestic, health and sanitation use. Lastly, UNICEF is “supporting the WASH sector” through creating online programs, technical guidance and manuals to improve standards for accessing water.

Organizations Helping People Reach Clean Water

Due to social and cultural inequality, women and children bear the brunt of water-borne illnesses. Hence, the reason organizations similar to The Water Project and Water.org exist. The Water Project has been providing access to clean water to remote villages located in sub-Saharan Africa since 2006. As of May 2022, The Water Project has reached 714,350 people with a 96% water flow status.

For the past 30 years, the founders of Water.org, Gary White and Matt Damon, have been offering financial solutions to the global water scarcity issue. It all began in 1990 when Gary White started helping Latin communities impacted by water scarcity. Later in 2003, their WaterCredit Initiative launched which enables Water.org to financially assist places affected by water scarcity. In 2009, Matt Damon joined the Water.org team as a co-founder. So far, Water.org reported having improved 45 million lives across 17 countries with access to clean water.

Looking Ahead

Thanks to the organizations and the dedication of U.N.-Water and UNICEF, water scarcity is becoming less of an issue. Hopefully, this issue will reduce, so that women and children may experience safety, good health and education without having to walk miles for water.

– Kaley Anderson
Photo: Flickr

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Rainwater Harvesting Revolutionized by an App

Rainwater harvestingTechnology has played a significant role in the reduction of global poverty. Two particular areas technology has improved impoverished communities are water access and water quality. For instance, a newly developed piece of technology showcases the potential for enhancing water security throughout Africa. The key is effective rainwater harvesting.

Water Supply Threats

In Africa, increasing water access and sanitation has become a top priority. Consequently, many organizations — the United Nations, the African Union, and the African Development Bank — have come together to solve the water crisis by sponsoring The Africa Water Vision for 2025. It warns that African water resources are threatened by pollution, environmental degradation, and a lack of responsible protection and development.

A New Smartphone App

Despite these threats, a new smartphone app has empowered Africans to efficiently procure their own water. Rainwater Harvesting Africa (RHA) is a smartphone app that the U.N. Environment Programme and the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization jointly developed. It enables Africans to use rainwater harvesting systems to obtain their own water.

Usually, rainwater is harvested through the construction of a central water tank that connects to various downspouts. But, with this app, households are able to capture rain runoff for essential personal use.

RWH Africa utilizes real-time meteorological data to track rain patterns throughout Africa. App users can input their location, the area measurement of their rooftop, the number of people living in their household, and how much water they use per day. The app uses this information to calculate how much water can be harvested at a given time for the needs of the user. Additionally, the app provides images and directions detailing how to construct rainwater harvesting systems with locally available materials.

Promising Factors

In addition, RWH Africa has built-in resources that can improve access to water throughout Africa. They can capitalize on increased technological infrastructure to expand its user base. GSMA estimates that 475 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa alone will become mobile internet users within the next five years, and 27% of their mobile internet connections will be on 4G. With increased smartphone usage throughout the continent, more Africans will be able to access this powerful tool of water procurement.

Although Africa needs to increase its internet capacities to maximize the app’s effectiveness, it has a more than sufficient water supply. In 2006, the U.N. Environment Programme and World Agroforestry Centre issued a report indicating that Africa alone receives enough rainfall each year to meet the needs of nine billion people. According to the report, Africa is not water-scarce, but the continent is just poorly equipped to harvest its water resources adequately and safely. RWH Africa gives Africans the knowledge they need to personally capture these vast water resources.

Furthermore, rainwater harvesting is low-cost and easy to maintain, making it widely accessible. According to The Water Project, a household rainwater harvesting system can hold up to 100,000 liters of water. This is enough to allow communities to decouple from centralized water systems that are subject to incompetent or corrupt management. Rainwater harvesting hence enables individuals to take matters into their own hands and decrease their reliance on undependable municipal water sources.

Technology Can Beat Poverty

As internet connection and smartphone usage expand, new solutions to poverty issues, such as water insecurity, will reach more people. RWH Africa serves as an educational and practical tool for rainwater harvesting and thus can be used as an example for similar future efforts. It signifies a positive outcome of increased cooperation between international organizations and local communities in combating global poverty.

– John Andrikos
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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10 Facts About Sanitation in Kazakhstan 

Sanitation in Kazakhstan
Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is critical for health and quality of life. As the last of the Soviet republics to declare independence in 1991, much of Kazakhstan’s population still faces the aftermath of the Soviet rule. Poor living conditions and limited access to water in rural populations worsened after the collapse of the Soviet Union. With structural elements of the state completely dismantled, the country faced shortages of basic goods and services, especially water. Here are 10 facts about sanitation in Kazakhstan.

10 Facts About Sanitation in Kazakhstan

  1. Over half of the global population (4.2 billion people) lack safe sanitation. 2 out of 5 people in the world (3 billion people) lack basic hand washing facilities. In many parts of the world like Kazakhstan that have experienced recent economic, social or political turmoil, the ability to obtain safe and accessible water is a serious issue.
  2. Less than 30% of the Kazakhstan population has access to safe water and sanitation. About 50% of the population uses drinking water that does not meet the international standards of salinity, hardness and bacteriological standards.
  3. Before 1990, the rural water supply network in Kazakhstan included 54 major pipelines, bringing water to 3 million people in rural and urban areas. Additionally, 16.2 million livestock in 97.5 million hectares of irrigated land were supplied with water. Currently, the quality of nearly all Kazakhstan’s water bodies are unsatisfactory. Nearly 16 % of water tests taken from different water bodies showed sub-standard water quality across the country.
  4. Water scarcity and poor water quality are more prevalent in rural areas, where declining water supply networks and high pollution levels are common. In 2001, 17.3% of the rural Kazakhstan population had access to cold water on tap from the piped system, and 2.8% had access to hot water on tap. Many rural communities are still suffering from dilapidated Soviet-era plumbing projects, but even the functioning plumbing still carries water heavy with bacteria.
  5. According to the UNDP, the distribution of surface and groundwater in Kazakhstan is uneven. Central Kazakhstan has access to only 3% of the country’s water. While the Kazakhstani urban population is covered 90% by piped water, only 28% of the rural people have access to piped water. Around 20% of the rural population in Kazakhstan has the same level of piped water coverage as Sub-Saharan Africa.
  6. No significant changes in patterns of access to piped water have been noted in recent studies from 2001 to 2010. Access to piped water in Kazakhstan’s rural areas remains approximately 29%. These conditions may be surprising, given the massive governmental drinking water program launched from 2002 to 2010, aiming to increase rural access to piped water systems.
  7. Sanitation in rural areas also remains inadequate. In terms of bathroom facilities, 92.2% of the rural population has toilets outside the home, 7.5% inside the home and 0.3% do not have access to toilets at all. Previous UNDP studies show that only 2.8% of rural houses are connected to the sewage system.
  8. Water access affects a majority of those living in rural areas. Only 36% of the rural population has access to a centralized water supply. 57.3% use groundwater through wells and boreholes. Furthermore, 2.6% of the population use water from surface sources and 4% drink delivered water.
  9. Even in houses with connections to water supplies, 53% of people make sure to boil the water. The number climbs to 56% in areas where people have an intermittent supply or suffer from gastroenteritis. Such poor water quality can largely be explained by wastewater dumping, irregularities in wastewater disinfecting and the poor condition of sewerage equipment.
  10. One region where a lack of access to clean drinking water presents serious health problems is Kyrgyzstan. There, each official records 30,000 acute intestinal infections with 24% related to parasites. Up to 86% of typhoid cases occur in villages that lack safe drinking water.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require nations to ensure sufficient sanitation and access to safe water. To improve sanitation in Kazakhstan, rural areas will need much stronger attention, as past efforts neglected and overlooked these areas, to comply with UN Millenium Development Goals (MDGs).

From 2010 to 2013, the UNDP provided $1.5 billion to the Kazakhstan government for water management. The money was meant for the Kazakhstan government to invest in water management, pollution reduction and efficient use of water resources. Additionally, the European Union has also been sharing its experience and policies with Kazakhstan.

Moving forward, it is critical that national drinking water programs are based on surveys of existing water and sanitation services. In order to be successful, these programs must take into special consideration the needs of rural villages.

– Danielle Straus
Photo: Flickr