Global Scans · Clean Water and Sanitation · Weekly Summary

In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 6. Ensure availability of water and sanitation for all.

• [New] The second half of 2026 will almost certainly see the start of El Nino, a natural climate phase when warm water expands across the equatorial Pacific Ocean, heating the entire planet. New Scientist
• [New] Following the recent dissipation of the weak La Nina, the World Meteorological Organization flagged the potential emergence of a super El Nino - an event that occurs roughly once a decade - later in 2026 could threaten water levels in Gatun Lake, a critical component of the Panama Canal system. BRS Shipbrokers
• [New] Water availability, or lack thereof this year, will be a major factor in what crops Idaho farmers actually plant this year. AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST
• [New] Winter snowpack levels in most Idaho basins were low this year and water managers expect a tough water supply year for irrigators in 2026. AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST
• [New] Effective water governance will be as important as technological investment in determining the long-term sustainability of U.S. irrigated agriculture. Nebraska Today
• [New] Developing just 86 GW, or about 4% of the U.S. offshore wind technical resource potential by 2050 would support 160,000 jobs, reduce power sector water consumption by 5%, and reduce America's greenhouse gas emissions by 1.8%. Energy.gov
• [New] By the year 2045, the region including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Polk and southern Lake counties will likely face a groundwater shortfall of an estimated 96 million gallons of water a day. A Magical Mess
• [New] Florida could experience a water supply shortage as early as 2025, and it is expected to increase in severity through 2040. A Magical Mess
• [New] Kazakhstan expects broad international support for the initiative, which would strengthen global cooperation and improve the effectiveness of water management. The Astana Times
• [New] Although protected by the Migratory Bird Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Coastal Act and multiple other laws, the rookeries of America's bays remain under threat from fireworks shows. UnchainedTV
• [New] The possible onset of El Nino conditions from mid-2026 could disrupt agricultural cycles, water availability and crop yields, adding uncertainty to food inflation projections, especially for weather-sensitive staples. Pakistan Today
• [New] Weather-related risks are emerging, with potential El Nino conditions from mid-2026 posing threats to crop yields and water availability. The Tribune
• [New] In the water domain, the UAE launched the Water Security Strategy 2036 in 2017, effectively redefining national security to encompass the sustainability of water supplies under extreme emergency scenarios, rather than relying solely on periods of stability. Al Habtoor Research Centre
• [New] By 2030, enhanced regional and catchment-scale water planning will involve more land managers and planning authorities to tackle water pollution, reduce flooding and water supply risks, and support growth. GOV.UK
• [New] Approximately 4.6 million properties in England are at risk of surface water flooding and by 2050, one in four properties in England are projected to be at risk of flooding from river, sea or surface water under a high emissions scenario. GOV.UK
• [New] Kazakhstan faces a possible water shortfall of up to 50% by 2040, a risk that could cut GDP by as much as 6% by 2050 and complicate President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's modernization plans. The Asia Cable
• [New] Municipal water treatment plant construction and upgrades will total $12 billion in 2026. Buildermuse
• [New] Humanitarian response plans target 7.8 million people for WASH assistance in 2026 (see Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)). GOV.UK
• [New] Expenditure on industrial water and wastewater infrastructure is projected to rise from $2.87 billion in 2024 to $4.65 billion by 2030. itaadmin
• [New] A proposed water treatment plan could send millions of gallons of treated wastewater from Jacksonville into North Florida rivers - raising both hope and concern among residents, environmental advocates and water management leaders. WJXT
• [New] Depending on how fast the AI industry expands, U.S. data centers could annually consume as much water as 10 million Americans and emit as much carbon dioxide as 10 million cars. Inside Climate News
• [New] Wisconsin's $116.3 billion agriculture industry could face $385 million in annual climate-related losses based on the effect of projected heat on crop growth, but diversifying crops and other water management strategies could help. Urban Milwaukee

Last updated: 03 May 2026