Water pollution, although not as well studied as water quantity and availability, is one of the main threats to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals which target world poverty and environmental destruction. In many parts of the world between 66 & 75% of people do not have access to clean water. This lack affects health, which lowers school attendance, resulting in poverty and poor living conditions. Poor water quality does not only affect poverty stricken areas, though. All over the world toxic chemicals exist in the water supply, although the particular pollutants may be different from place to place.

Key Takeaways:

• The World Bank warns that the ripple effects of water pollution affects the health, economy, education, and agriculture of all countries.
• In sub-Saharan Africa, only 25 percent of the population has access to safe drinking water in the home.
• Arsenic, mercury, and fluoride are among the chemicals that can contaminate water.

“SDG 6 refers to clean water and sanitation for all, but the U.N. World Water Development Report found about three out of 10 people – 2.1 billion – did not have access to safely managed drinking water at home in 2015.”

Read more: https://uk.reuters.com/article/global-water-climatechange/water-pollution-an-invisible-threat-to-global-goals-economists-warn-idUKL5N25F3I8