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.

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.

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.

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

Sustainable Inclusive Irrigation

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

Learn more

Sustainable Urban Water Cycles

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

Learn more

Water news and stories

21 May 2023Impact story

Realising government ambitions for more inclusive WASH services in Asia

19 April 2023Blog

Group of 27 calls for the Water Action Agenda to prioritise water quality

Panelists of the Pollution, Sanitation, Water Quality and Climate Resilience: A Call to Action session at the UN 2023 Water Conference
7 April 2023Blog

What will it take to improve the financial planning of sanitation systems in cities?

Informal settlement in a fast-growing city in Bangladesh (Photo credit: SNV)
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
Jeremy Doyle

Jeremy Doyle

Global Technical Advisor - Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
Sharon Roose

Sharon Roose

Senior Advocacy Officer Water
Alan Duggan

Alan Duggan

Market Development 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.