Global Scans · 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] By 2050, water scientists estimate, around 240 cities worldwide will be short of water, including at least 10-20 megacities (with populations over 10m). Pearls and Irritations
• [New] By 2050, three quarters of humanity will face drought and water supply shortfalls. Pearls and Irritations
• [New] Large areas of the UK are already water-stressed, and the Environment Agency warned earlier in 2025 that England faces a 5 billion liter a day shortfall for public water supplies by 2055. SME Today
• [New] The East Anglian area, served by Anglian Water, is projected to experience a deficit of 130 million liters per day by 2050. New Civil Engineer
• [New] The water demands of decarbonization efforts - particularly in hydrogen production and carbon capture technology - could push several UK regions into significant water deficits as early as 2030. New Civil Engineer
• [New] The UK's ambitious net zero targets, set for 2050, are facing a critical challenge that could imperil their realization: escalating water scarcity. New Civil Engineer
• [New] Regional water deficits by 2030 could jeopardise the UK's 2050 net zero targets unless urgent, collaborative action is taken to manage water resources effectively. New Civil Engineer
• [New] The UAE hosted COP 28, with one of its main outcomes being the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, and is now preparing to host the UN Water Conference in 2026, which will emphasise disaster risk reduction and resilience. Aletihad Newspaper
• [New] Decarbonization efforts, associated with carbon capture and hydrogen production, could add up to 860M liters per day of water demand by 2050. New Civil Engineer
• [New] Decarbonization within the Humberside industrial cluster is likely to push the East Anglian region, supplied by Anglian Water into water deficit by 2030, leading to a total deficit of 130 million liters of water per day by 2050. / UK Water Magazine
• [New] Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest independent foundry, is committed to 100% renewable energy by 2050 and is a pioneer in industrial reclaimed water reuse. FinancialContent
• [New] EPA will propose a regulation this month to be finalized in April of 2026 that will provide additional time for public water systems to come into compliance with the maximum contaminant levels of PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. Williams Mullen
• [New] For millions of Sudanese, daily life is hellish - shortages of food, water, medicine, and the ever-present danger of gunfire or shelling. Geopolitical Newsletter
• Governor Hochul announced two grant opportunities totaling $26 million for projects that will help address the impacts of climate change and protect water quality across New York State. Governor Kathy Hochul
• In some regions, for example Anglian Water and United Utilities, deficits could emerge as early as 2030 unless proactive measures are taken. Water Magazine
• Decarbonization efforts, associated with carbon capture and hydrogen production, could add up to 860 million liters per day of water demand by 2050. Water Magazine
• By 2040, additional water requirements needed for decarbonization in England are likely to be equally split between CO2 capture, blue hydrogen production and green hydrogen, placing an additional demand for 860 million liters of water per day across the UK by 2050. Water Magazine
• The water required for decarbonization projects will likely push some UK regions into a deficit as early as 2030. Water Magazine
• Looming water scarcity threat could limit the UK's ability to reach 2050 net zero targets. Water Magazine
• Without comprehensive strategies that link technology, governance, and public participation, both Europe and the U.S. risk facing the next decade with increasingly fragile water systems. Smart Water Magazine
• Globally, for children 5 to 14, iron deficiency was the leading risk, followed by others related to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene and malnutrition. CNN

Last updated: 26 October 2025