Historically, Brazil’s water and sanitation infrastructure has consistently received the least investment compared to other sectors. As a result, progress has lagged behind and the country is still far from achieving full access for all households. According to SNIS (2022), there are still approximately 100 million households without access to sewage collection and treatment, which represents half of the country’s population. Regarding treated water, the situation is less dire, but there are nearly 50 million households without access to treated water supply. In 2020, a major reform took plac ..read more

When I joined the Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) sector ten years ago, I did not have qualifications or experience in regulation. This was the same for my colleagues and the majority of staff in regulatory entities. In addition, I learned that there is no ‘one size fits all’ model of regulation to copy and paste. Each country must find the model which best fits its context, and this is especially true in lower- and middle-income countries which may have very different challenges and structures. My journey in regulation has been and is still a ‘learning by doing’ process. There is a strong ..read more

With World Water Day 2024 having a focus on peace and cooperation, this blog explores the water cooperation centred around Lake Ontario, on whose shores the upcoming IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition will take place in Toronto, Canada, on 11-15 August 2024. Looking out at Lake Ontario from Toronto’s CN Tower, it is hard not to be struck by the water. H2O as far as the eye can see. Even though it is one of the smallest of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario alone has more surface freshwater than all the US Southwest put together. The border separating Canada from the United States, and Ontar ..read more

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme “Investing in Women: Accelerating Progress,” I am reminded of the transformative power of empowerment and collaboration, particularly in the realm of Rainwater Harvesting (RWH). For many years, I have been a vocal advocate of rainwater harvesting and the opportunities it can provide to disadvantaged women with limited access to water. Being an active member of organisations like the South Asia Rainwater Network (SARNET) and the IWA Specialist Group on Rainwater Harvesting has provided me with excellent platforms to share the s ..read more

As we commemorate Women’s Day 2024 under the theme “Invest in Women”, let’s focus on empowering women in the water sector. This blog explores the crucial role of education, breaking down barriers, and promoting inclusivity within the industry.  Investing in Girls’ Education Women, the architects of humanity’s future, shape every facet of life. Beyond childbirth, they wield transformative power in education, societal structures, and businesses when provided with opportunities. Yet, numerous barriers hinder women in less developed countries from active participation in education, employmen ..read more

Wetlands, as vital transition zones between land and water, are indispensable for maintaining biodiversity, ecological balance, and numerous ecosystem services. In the face of a changing climate and rapid environmental transformations, safeguarding wetlands becomes paramount. This blog explores the crucial role architects can play in protecting wetlands, advocating for new regulations, and seamlessly integrating these natural wonders into the built environment.  Architects as Stewards of Wetlands  As the primary influencers of our built environment, architects wield significant powe ..read more

As we approach World Wetlands Day on 2 February, it’s fitting to reflect on the remarkable journey of water treatment technologies inspired by the resilience of wetlands. Over the past 50 years, Constructed Wetlands, also known as Treatment Wetlands, have emerged as champions in treating domestic and industrial wastewaters, stormwater overflows, and waste sludge. In this blog, we explore the evolution of these eco-friendly technologies and their crucial role in delivering a more sustainable future. Treatment Wetlands have matured into a proven solution for municipal and industrial wastewater ..read more

As cities in low- and middle-income countries expand rapidly, sanitation infrastructure struggles to keep pace, with nearly 700 million people still lacking even basic sanitation access. Lack of sanitation access leads to open defecation, overflowing pit latrines, and untreated discharge into waterways – with health impacts disproportionally felt by the poorest and most vulnerable parts of the population. But in the rush to provide safe sanitation services, are we thinking enough about their impact on the climate? Recent research reveals that some sanitation solutions release significant meth ..read more

This week, the international community is meeting at COP28, a critical milestone in our collective effort to combat climate change. As the world turns its attention to this pivotal event, it’s essential to recognise that the fight against climate change is deeply intertwined with another global crisis: water security. According to the Global Risks Report by the World Economic Forum, which has consistently ranked water crises among the top five risks since 2015, over 90% of disasters are water-related, with climate change exerting its most significant impact through water, as highlighted in th ..read more

Just a few years back, phrases like ‘Digital Water’ or ‘Digital Transformation’ began making their way into conversations within the water industry. In the last decade, terms like ‘Digital Water’ and ‘Digital Transformation’ have gained traction in the water industry. Prior to that, ‘Smart Water’ was the buzzword, and before that, it was ‘Water 4.0’ and ‘Industry 4.0’. It’s worth noting that currently, new terms are still emerging, with references to Industry 5.0 and 6.0. However, the label is less important than the practical implications. So, what does ‘Digital Water’ actually mean for the ..read more