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] As financing remains a major challenge where global investment needs range from $6.7 trillion by 2030 to $22.6 trillion by 2050 to meet SDG 6 targets water-related climate finance remains limited, representing about 3% of total climate finance. UN Water Conference Academic Hub
• [New] The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 emphasizes improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing infrastructure resilience across water production and distribution systems. MarkNtel Advisors
• [New] Delhi Plans Mandatory Water Meters on All Borewells The Delhi government is drafting a new borewell policy under which all domestic and commercial borewells will be required to install water meters. SANDRP
• [New] The seasonal forecasts (Apr 2026-Mar 2027) project El Nino shifting China's water balance: the southeast coast will transition from deficits to moderate surpluses beginning during Jul-Sep 2026 and intensifying during Oct-Dec 2026. ISCIENCES
• [New] The EIB joined the Water Forward coalition pledging water security for 300 million people by 2030. Water Industry Hub
• [New] By 2030, data center water consumption for AI cooling and electricity generation could reach 9.3 trillion liters - enough to meet global drinking water needs for 1.6 years. Water Industry Hub
• [New] Planteers' mission is to capture CO2 in water and unleash the potential of the oceans as the largest carbon sink on our planet. Carbon Removal Updates
• [New] Domestically, the Water Security Strategy 2036 targets a 21% cut in water demand, a 95% wastewater reuse rate and a reduction of more than 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, alongside campaigns to promote responsible water use. The National
• [New] The UAE recently launched the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform, a $2 billion initiative aimed at improving water security for 10 million people by 2030, backed by a $1 billion commitment from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The National
• [New] The 2026-27 El Nino - which forms when changes in wind patterns allow warmer water to spread across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific - has a historically unprecedented chance of developing into a very strong event fuelling heatwaves, flooding and stormier weather. The Guardian
• [New] China has developed a solar-powered desalination process that will bring potable water to arid regions of the world. Daily Meditations with Matthew Fox
• [New] U.S. drinking water utilities will require between $2.1 trillion and $2.4 trillion in infrastructure investment through 2050, leaving an annual funding gap of approximately $56.6 billion. EFCG
• [New] Central Vietnam, the central highlands, and the southern region are expected to be particularly vulnerable to drought, water shortages, and saltwater intrusion during late 2026 and early 2027. Vietnam Economic Times
• [New] Five million people will be affected by hosepipe bans which have been announced by four water companies in southern and eastern England, and others are closely monitoring their supplies. BBC Weather
• [New] By the 2050s, who sits on the Climate Change Committee, Britain is expected to have a shortfall of five billion liters of water per day. Yahoo News
• [New] Land application of biosolids containing PFAS could create health risks for people who rely on contaminated farmland for food and drinking water. WRAL
• [New] The Water, energy use and pollution associated with AI will double in just four years. Broadband Breakfast
• [New] Over the next 10 years, American Water plans to invest approximately $48 billion in capital improvements to its systems, including infrastructure renewal, water quality, resiliency, technology, and water and wastewater system acquisitions. American Water Newsroom
• [New] Over the next 10 years, American Water plans to invest $46 billion to $48 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions. American Water Newsroom
• [New] Affinity Water's AMP8 business plan includes a £2.3 billion investment programme for 2025-2030, focused on maintaining high-quality drinking water supplies, improving resilience and strengthening environmental performance. Water Magazine
• [New] Water shortages in England are predicted to reach 5bn liters a day by 2055 - equivalent to a shortfall of 2,000 Olympic-sized pools - as a result of climate breakdown, population increases and the expansion of water-intensive industries such as datacenters. The Guardian
• [New] Los Angeles County aims to source 80% of its water locally by 2045. Prism
• [New] Launching the AI Environmental Transparency Initiative: Force major artificial intelligence companies to disclose the carbon, water, and land footprints of their operations, mandating that all data centers run on 100% renewable energy by 2030. Insights IAS

Last updated: 19 July 2026