Bridging the %E2%82%AC6.5 Trillion Water Infrastructure Gap A Playbook 2025

Percentage of total population with access to safely managed drinking water supply FIGURE 5 0%20%40%60%80%100% Oceania Europe North America Latin America Middle East Asia Africa93% 93% 82% 74% 62% 42%95%A large portion of the global population continues to lack access to safely managed drinking water, with the problem most acute in low-income countries. Around 26% of the world’s population, equivalent to 2.2 billion people, still lacks access to safely managed drinking water, including 106 million who rely directly on untreated surface sources.5 Regional disparities are striking: only 42% of the population in Africa and 62% in Asia has access to such services, compared with 93% in the developed countries.6Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation is not only a fundamental human right and a key target under the Sustainable Development Goals, but also a catalyst for socio- economic growth. In low-income countries with improved access to water and sanitation services, GDP grew at an annual rate of 3.7%, compared to just 0.1% in countries lacking such access.3 Conversely, inadequate water supply and sanitation have severe economic and public health consequences, with global losses estimated at €225 billion annually.4The investment required to meet this challenge is substantial. By 2040, an estimated €5.3 trillion will need to be invested to expand water and sanitation systems worldwide. The challenge is particularly acute in low-income regions, where deficits in both water and wastewater infrastructure limit service, exacerbate water stress and hinder social and economic development. 2.1 Equitable access Source: Global Water Intelligence Meeting these needs requires not only expanding supply and conveyance infrastructure but also safeguarding natural freshwater sources such as watersheds. Circular water solutions, including water reuse and rainwater harvesting (RWH), are becoming essential to ensure reliable and sustainable supply for potable purposes. By turning wastewater and rainfall into new resources, these approaches close the water loop, preserve freshwater ecosystems and reduce reliance on overexploited groundwater. Pioneering examples such as Windhoek in Namibia and Singapore’s NEWater programme demonstrate the potential of large-scale reuse to secure urban water supplies in both arid and high-density contexts. Renewable energy-powered desalination can also play a role, particularly in arid regions. Green desalination relies on on-site renewable energy production to power operations, applies advanced brine management to protect marine ecosystems and uses next-generation reverse osmosis and other efficient technologies that cut energy use by up to 85% compared to older systems.7 Provide global access to affordable and reliable safe drinking water 0%20%40%60%80%100% Oceania Europe North America Latin America Middle East Asia Africa89% 86% 81% 64% 46% 39% 27% Bridging the €6.5 Trillion Water Infrastructure Gap: A Playbook 14