into local rivers and streams further limiting the avail- from over-fertilized fields floods rivers and

m over-fertilized fields floods rivers and lakes with

ability of clean water resources. This is a huge missed
opportunity in a region that is currently experiencing
a water crisis, as water recycling and reuse could alle-
viate its water shortage problems.32
Industrial effluents in many countries are inadequate-
ly treated. For instance, according to Chinas land min-
istry, more than half of the groundwater in northern
China is too contaminated to be used in agriculture
or even for bathing.33
Over the last few decades, farmers have been able
to improve their yields thanks to the increased use
of crop protection agents and fertilizers. However, in
many regions these substances are now contaminat-
ing the water and polluting the groundwater.
Each year, an estimated 5 million deaths
worldwide are caused by contaminated water.
The range of potential pollutants is enormous, threat-
ening the environment and human health, and their
impacts are widespread: organic matter decomposing
in the water removes the oxygen that is vital for sus-
taining life, and feces contaminate water with bacteria
and microorganisms that spread disease. The runoff
harmful nutrients. Overwatering and excessive ground-
water extraction increases soil salinity. Heavy metals and
toxic compounds from industrial processes contaminate
drinking water. Finally, endocrine active substances can
have a negative impact on any living organisms in the
water.
The lack of adequate sanitation facilities in countries
with poor infrastructure is one of the major causes of
widespread gastrointestinal disorders. Each year, an
estimated 5 million deaths worldwide are caused by
contaminated water. Because cities in these countries are
growing so rapidly, the installation of a comprehensive
sanitation system as typically found in industrialized
nations is not feasible within a reasonable time frame.
Such challenges are sometimes exacerbated by govern-
ments budgetary constraints. As a result, simpler, decen-
tralized small-scale solutions to the sanitation problem,
such as the use of septic tanks, are being sought in these
countries.
It is also worth noting that the availability of water treat-
ment is positively correlated with economic prosperity.
A comparison of different countries shows that those
with a high GDP per capita spend more money on water
treatment than less prosperous countries.

Figure 15: Water treatment spending goes hand in hand with GDP per capita

200
Switzerland
Water treatment spending per capita USD

Japan
160
France United States

United Kingdom Netherlands

120 Singapore
Saudi Arabia Germany Finland
South Korea
80
Poland Portugal Sweden
Taiwan
40 Brazil
China Spain Italy
India Indonesia Mexico Russia
0
1,000 4,000 16,000 64,000

Nominal GDP per capita USD (logarithmic scale)

Water spending and GDP per capita data period are from 2010,2011,2012 .

Source: RobecoSAM, GWI Global Water Market 2014, The World Bank

32
http://www.ft.com/intl/
cms/s/0/a140a1e6-b14e-
11e4-a830-00144feab7
de.html?siteedition=intl
#slide0
33
T he Economist October 12,
2013

RobecoSAM Water: the market of the future 17