Dirty Water Kills

Dirty Water Kills Far More People Than Wars

PBL Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving

Although major improvements have been made, globally, one in eight people still lack access to clean drinking water, and one in three lack adequate sanitation facilities.

Lack of access to clean drinking water and lack of sanitation are two of the major causes of human illness and mortality. In combination, their impact leads to almost 800,000 human deaths, annually, in low- and middle-income countries. This is far more than the number of annual casualties from fooding, drought, or violent confict.

Present situation, safe drinking water and basic sanitation Percentage of population
Average number of deaths per year, 1980–2015 in thousands
© WHO | Dirty Water

Created in partnership with: PBL Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving