WATER AND SANITATION STANDARDS WHITEPAPER
Water and Sanitation Standards in Southeast Asia Considerations for ASEAN Member States
Worldwide, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and more than half of the global population does not have access to safe sanitation. Access to water and sanitation services is further threatened by growing water stresses. Approximately 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries, of which 733 million live in high and critically water-stressed countries. This global water crisis threatens economic growth, national security, and public health.
- Water-related challenges in Asia are particularly acute. Home to more than half of the world’s population, the region has less freshwater than any other continent except for Antarctica.
- As ASEAN member countries continue to make decisions that will shape their water and sanitation systems today and in the future, this guide identifies issues, barriers, and opportunities for policymakers to consider.
- Water efficiency should be an area for immediate collaboration.