wastewater from people's houses, cleaned and used in washing machines, toilets and plant watering - not clean enough to drink

control of water levels, pollution, ownership and use of groundwater

when water is being used more quickly than it can be replaced

development that meets the needs of the present without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

disputes between different regions or countries about the distribution and usage of freshwater. conflicts arise from the gap between growing demands and diminishing supplies.

diseases caused by microorganisms that are transmitted in contaminated water. infection commonly results during bathing, washing, drinking, in the preporation for food, or for the consumption of infected food.

quality can be measured in terms of the chemical, physical and biological content of water. The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to the health of the ecosystems, safety of human contact and drinking water.

when water availability is not enough to ensure the population of an area enjoys good health, livelihood and earnings. this can be caused by water insufficiency or poor water quality.

the preservation, control and development of water resources, both surface and groundwater, and prevention of pollution

water insecurity can lead to lower levels of food production. irrigation can increase crop yields by as much as 400%. places that do not have enough water to irrigate have less food to eat.

industry needs water for all stages of production. water is used as a raw material, a coolant, a method of transport, and in some cases a source of energy. areas that experience water insecurity are unable to operate factories and make products. this leaves them relying on imports, which may be expensive