Wastewater is a valuable resource that we need to harness. That is the key message in a new publication from UN Environment, the Global Programme of Action and the Global Wastewater Initiative.
The issue of what to do with wastewater, that is water that has been adversely affected by human activities such as farming, industrial production and domestic use, has long challenged development experts, companies, environmentalists, policymakers and urban planners alike. And although improvements have been made, it is still true that globally, about 80 per cent of wastewater is being discharged untreated. This has negative consequences for nature and humans alike. Untreated wastewater degrades the marine environment, and can contribute to the creation of so-called dead zones. Areas of the ocean that are so depleted of oxygen that they are void of marine life. At the same time, poor wastewater management and improper sanitation represent a significant factor in the spread of infectious disease.
Against this backdrop, “Harnessing opportunity Wastewater as a managed resource” looks at how to utilize the potential of wastewater in ways that protects our environment and promote human health. The e-book does so by presenting concrete examples of what a handful of national and local governments have done to improve their wastewater management. Hopefully, these examples will inspire policymakers, civil society actors and the business community to join forces to harness the potential of wastewater, and help move us towards a future where wastewater is not seen as a dangerous waste product, but a valuable resource.