The situation: More than 1 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water and almost 3 billion people lack adequate sanitation. Almost 4000 thousand children die due to unsafe drinking water each day. Recent reports from the WHO and UNICEF show the significant impact safe water has on health and the economy. An investment of US$1 in water solutions has shown to have a multiplied benefit of $8 to $60 for the general economy in decreased healthcare costs and increased productivity.

 

Market value: The water market in the BoP is valued at US$20 billion.

 

The solution: Innovations are needed to increase access to water and sanitation in the BoP. Innovations are already reaching large numbers of people. Examples include small-scale production, vending points, household water treatment solutions and water storage options. These innovations call for new business models, including inclusive financing and leasing concepts. The challenge is to make these new solutions available on a larger scale.

 

We have forged strategic alliances with Aqua for All, Micro Water Facility, and several actors in the Dutch water sector, including innovators from businesses, knowledge institutions and investors. For more information on our projects, please click here.