International Encyclopedia of Public Health, Second Edition - Drinking Water and Sanitation

Better water and sanitation are two of the most important public health priorities worldwide. Currently, 663 million people across the globe still lack access to improved drinking water sources, and 2.4 billion people do not have access to improved sanitation facilities. In addition, 25% of the world's population to live with water scarcity by 2050. The health cost of not having these needs met is often born by socioeconomically disadvantaged. A multidisciplinary approach to these problems is important as poverty, with its associated unsanitary living conditions and lack of access to water, proper nutrition, health care, and education, is the overwhelming determinant of infection and malnutrition.