Water supply and sanitation

GIZ is committed to ensuring that people in all countries can exercise their right to drinking water and sanitation.

Two billion women, men and children have to drink contaminated water that is hazardous to their health. Even more people, namely 3.6 billion, live without adequate sanitation – with serious consequences for health and the environment. Worldwide, 80 per cent of wastewater flows untreated into the environment. In addition, water supply cannot keep pace with rapid population growth in cities.

Yet a sustainable supply of drinking water and the provision of sanitation facilities are essential for health and decent living conditions. Water and sanitation have been recognised as human rights since 2010. In the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations stipulates that by 2030 universal access to safe and affordable drinking water as well as adequate and equitable sanitation will be achieved for all.

It is not impossible for everyone to have a functioning drinking water and sanitation system in line with human rights standards. This can become reality if the right framework conditions are created. On behalf of the German Government, GIZ is helping to ensure that people in all countries can exercise their right to drinking water and sanitation. It supports water and sanitation companies in improving their services. Employees of these companies learn how to reduce losses in supply networks, improve customer service, optimise the operation and maintenance of facilities, and steer and maintain an overview of individual processes using digital tools. Particular emphasis is placed on safeguarding access to water in spite of the effects of climate change and extreme events.

Women play a key role in water supply and sanitation. They receive targeted support to enable them to participate in decision-making and thus improve the supply situation.

Through technical cooperation measures, around 7 million people received better access to drinking water and more than 5 million to better sanitation and wastewater treatment in 2021.

Since 2014, over 19.3 million people have received access to clean drinking water and sanitation through multisectoral transitional development assistance projects. Through the Special Initiative on Displaced Persons and Host Countries, we have improved water supply and sanitation for more than 7.8 million people since 2014. In doing so, particular emphasis is placed on the hygiene requirements of women and girls, for example with regard to safe access to drinking water, and hygienic and safe sanitation facilities.