When it goes wrong
Around the world 80% of wastewater goes untreated and diseases caused by contaminated water kill more than 500,000 children under five each year.
Signs of system failure
Untreated sewage contaminates water for drinking, bathing, swimming, and growing food. It causes disease and death, degrades our natural resources, and endangers plant and marine life. It’s a massive problem that is becoming more urgent as our global population increases—and as water becomes more scarce
Deadly disease
Nearly 90% of diarrheal deaths are due to unsafe sanitation. Wherever there are gaps in the sanitation service chain, human waste can flow into water sources. This contamination contributes to the spread of bacteria, viruses, and parasites which cause diarrhea.
Without access to treatment, diarrhea is a leading cause of death for children under 5, killing more than 500,000 each year—or 800 children every day.
