Global Access to Safe Drinking Water: The Real Picture

In 2020, only one in three people in low-and middle-income countries had access to safe drinking water, according to an ETH Zurich study. Despite improved sources, nearly half were exposed to faecal contamination. This contrasts with the World Health Organization's 2020 estimate. The study highlights substantial data gaps and underscores the urgency for better monitoring.

A staggering analysis from ETH Zurich reveals that just one-third of the population in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) had access to safe drinking water in 2020.

Using advanced models, researchers created detailed maps through global Earth observation data, showing that despite improved sources, nearly half of the 135 LMICs' populations faced faecal contamination risks.

This stark finding contrasts with the 2020 estimate by the World Health Organization and UNICEF. The significant data gaps identified showcase the urgent need for improved monitoring to ensure clean water access, a basic human right and a UN Sustainable Development Goal.

(With inputs from agencies.)