Global Challenges of Providing Water and Wastewater Services

A key problem of water is the provision of a safe water supply for domestic use. Given the characteristics of water as a commodity, the general misuse of the pricing mechanism, and the economics of developing and operating water and wastewater systems, governments are faced with the challenge of organizing operating systems. The goal is to maximize connections at a reasonable cost and acceptable quality. Developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa, have much work to do to achieve modern water systems. Effective utilization of private water producers may be the most cost-effective approach for many countries.