UN report reveals financial needs of global water sector

The global water sector needs $198bn to reduce water scarcity and improve sanitation and drinking water accessibility, according to a green economy report by the United Nations (UN).

The UN report said the costs, resulting from inadequate water supplies, can be reduced by strengthening local water supply systems and ecosystems, and by developing more effective policies for sanitation and drinking water.

Global water use could be kept within sustainable limits, along with increasing accessibility of potable water and basic sanitation by 2015.

UN environment programme executive director Achim Steiner said the report shows that accelerated investment in water infrastructure coupled with effective policies can boost water and food security, improve human health and promote economic growth.