Unprecedented growth in water demand is threatening major development goals, warns this latest World Water Development Report. Says that food demand, urbanization and climate change are increasing pressure on water supplies & calls for radical rethink of the way water is managed.

The WWDR4 aims to encourage all stakeholders both in and out of the ‘water box’ - water managers, leaders in government, civil society and businesses – to engage early in decision making processes to improve the quality and acceptance of decisions and the probability of successful implementation. It will highlight that more responsible action by all water users has enormous potential to lead to better outcomes - but will require political, social, economic and technical responses at all levels of government, businesses and communities, from local to international. In the World Water Development Report (WWDR) series, the WWDR4 represents a milestone. While providing a comprehensive assessment of the world’s water resources it also introduces a strong thematic element. Building on the WWDR3 in the recognition of the externalities, the WWDR4 elaborates on the interactions between water and the drivers of change. The WWDR4 will describe the major changes, uncertainties, and risks taking place in the world and their links to water resources. It will give account of the status and the trends related to water supplies, uses, management, institutions and financing; highlight regional hotspots, and address issues such as gender equality, water-related disasters, health and the role of ecosystems.

See Also

Report: Water in a changing world.

Report: Progress on drinking water and sanitation 2012.

Report: Managing systems at risk.

Report: Climate change, water and food

Report: Guidelines for drinking-water quality.

Report: Clearing the waters.

Report: Assessment of sanitation and drinking-water.

Report: Water for food water for life.

Feature: Channels of interest.