Our Scans · (LF.6) Clean Water and Sanitation · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 6. Ensure availability of water and sanitation for all.

• [New] A serious water crisis threatens over sixty-four thousand residents in a major United States public water system, with engineers warning of total failure by April eighteenth, twenty twenty-six. Spreaker
• [New] Greater partnership between the water sector and other industries will be key to driving faster, more effective progress in meeting the UK's Net Zero ambitions. Innovate UK Business Connect
• [New] There are no official estimates for the other expected costs of adaptation in Singapore, such as battling heat or safeguarding food and water security. ST
• [New] Non-potable recycled water represents an opportunity for datacenters but we need Sydney Water to make recycled water available at an affordable price. The Guardian
• [New] The additional water use required was estimated at 250m liters per day by 2035, equivalent to the total production capacity of the Sydney Desalination Plant. The Guardian
• [New] Ukraine is preparing for Russian aerial attacks that could target water systems, logistics and other critical networks. Spectrum News
• [New] Nonprofits including the Center for Food Safety and Food & Water Watch say that it will restrict states and local governments from adopting stronger pesticide regulations. Food Tank
• [New] Cities and farms will probably still have ample water because major reservoirs in Northern California are nearly full. Los Angeles Times
• [New] The water crisis that could change everything in 2026 has already begun; it's not just about the climate, it affects technology, raises product prices, and can halt entire companies without warning. CPG Click Oil and Gas
• [New] Water levels in Lake Powell could dip below what can generate electricity at the Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona. Scientific American
• [New] The population affected by water scarcity in Africa will nearly quadruple, from 80 million in 2016 to 311 million in 2050. Siemens
• [New] Water scarcity in urban areas is expected to increase throughout the world, impacting 1.3 billion people in Asia by 2050 (in 2016, it was 609 million). Siemens
• [New] A report released today by the American Water Works Association finds that addressing U.S. drinking water infrastructure and other critical needs will require $2.1 trillion to $2.4 trillion over the next 25 years, testing the limits of water affordability. Treatment Plant Operator
• [New] By 2030, the world could face a 40% gap between global water demand and available supply if current trends continue. Seametrics
• [New] The EPA and CISA have issued joint advisories in recent years specifically warning that US water and wastewater systems face active and ongoing targeting by both criminal ransomware groups and state-sponsored actors. Bynry
• [New] The National Water Plan sets ambitious targets, such as reducing losses in drinking water networks to 25% by 2030 and promoting industrial water recovery. Smart Water Magazine
• [New] England could face a shortfall of around 5 billion liters of water per day by 2050 without significant changes in water management. WILPF UK
• With global water demand expected to exceed supply by 40% by 2030, regions face rising water stress, requiring improved infrastructure, efficiency, and consumption reduction. Ipsum
• Large-scale water shortages are projected by 2050, potentially affecting 5 billion people due to climate change, population growth, and pollution. Ipsum
• The EPA finalized the first-ever national drinking water standard for six PFAS compounds in 2024, with utilities required to comply by 2029. RKIN
• Daily water consumption per person is targeted to drop to 120 liters by 2030 and 100 liters by 2050. Nordic Monitor

Last updated: 06 April 2026