Global Distribution of Deaths from Unsafe Water

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, since 2000, over 1.8 billion people have obtained essential access to water services, and 2.1 billion people have obtained essential sanitation services. Nevertheless, worldwide, 785 million people require access to essential water services, and approximately 2 billion people, more than 25% of the world population, lack access to basic sanitation.

Access to safe drinking water is fundamental to health, a basic human right, and an essential component of effective policy for health protection. This is important as a health and development issue at a national, regional, and local level.