Water

We contribute to the water security of all people and the natural world.

Access to water, sanitation, and a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment are internationally recognised human rights that are universal, inalienable, indivisible, and interdependent.

But the global water demand is eight times higher than it was 100 years ago – and keeps growing. At the same time, climate change is altering its availability over the year and across regions. Already, 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries. A further four billion experience severe scarcity at least one month every year. Too much, too little, or too dirty water is becoming everybody’s problem.

This is not just an ecological and economic crisis – this is an equity and governance crisis. We must adapt the way we use water and share the benefits and burdens of its management. We must look at water in its entirety, in terms of use but also how its pollution affects the environment.

As our world becomes thirstier and more polluted, water governance reform becomes a priority. We must ensure a sustainable water resource base and avoid unacceptable water-related risks.

Our ambition is water security for all – including the natural world. We focus on equity: between people, current and future generations, and humans and the environment.

Four dimensions of water security.

We take a holistic and inclusive approach to water based on a water cycle perspective and water-related human rights, and consider four dimensions in our programming:

  1. Water use: The quantity, quality, accessibility, and reliability of water for different uses

  2. Water pollution: The ability to live hygienically and in a clean environment

  3. Hazards and risks: Protection of people from the most severe water-related risks

  4. Water resource security: In terms of quantity, quality, and reliability of water bodies on which people rely.

SNV works with all stakeholders – in their respective roles – to realise gradual improvements in water management and governance. We interlink government, private sector, and civil society actors – so that they can develop a system with the right checks and balances together, enabling responsible water use that is governed sustainably and equitably.

Our framework approaches

Climate Resilient Rural WASH Services

The Climate Resilient Rural WASH approach supports local governments to realise the human rights to water, sanitation and hygiene in their jurisdiction, responding to demographic and climatic changes.

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Equitable Water Resource Management

The Equitable Water Resource Management approach contributes to fair and sustainable water management arrangements and outcomes between people, current and future generations, and humans and the environment.

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Sustainable Inclusive Irrigation

The Sustainable Inclusive Irrigation approach contributes to irrigation development and management, balancing environmental, social, and economic needs.

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Sustainable Urban Water Cycles

The Sustainable Urban Water Cycle approach is a holistic, integrated water and waste management approach implemented city-wide.

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Water news and stories

07/03/2024Impact story

The collective power we need to achieve a gender inclusive world

09/02/2024Blog

Managing Surma River flooding and environmental concerns

15/12/2023Impact story

City sanitation programming advances amid limited global climate financing

See all our updates

Meet our water team

Antoinette Kome

Antoinette Kome

Global Head Water
Jackson Wandera

Jackson Wandera

GTA Rural sanitation and hygiene
Sonja Hofbauer

Sonja Hofbauer

GTA Water Supply
Sandra Ryan

Sandra Ryan

Global Technical Advisor Hydrology
Sharon Roose

Sharon Roose

Senior Advocacy Officer Water
Gabrielle Halcrow

Gabrielle Halcrow

Multi Country Project Manager
Rajeev Munankami

Rajeev Munankami

Multi Country Programme Manager
Anjani Abella

Anjani Abella

Marketing Communication Officer

Want to collaborate with us?

Contact our global water team to collaborate and learn more about activities around the world.