A United Nations University report on 20 January says the world has entered an era of "global water bankruptcy." It warns of falling groundwater and lakes, rising water scarcity, and risks to food and people.
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A University of Notre Dame study using national survey data finds that improved access to safe drinking water lowers the odds of stunting in Mozambican children by about 20%. Improved sanitation showed no independent effect on stunting.
A Washington State University review finds that human-made beaver dams, or beaver mimicry, can help rivers and streams. The studies show benefits for water storage, cooler summer temperatures, biodiversity and fire resistance, but more research is needed.
Cholera spread widely in 2024, with 560,823 reported cases and 6,028 deaths. Conflict, climate shocks and damaged water and health services drove outbreaks, while vaccines and better water and sanitation are key to preventing deaths.
A peer‑reviewed study found drug‑resistant Salmonella in nearly half of food and water consumed by under‑fives in Karamoja. High resistance to azithromycin and other drugs raises health, economic and development concerns.
A summer heatwave and widespread power outages have intensified Iran’s water emergency. Officials report sharply falling dam reserves, groundwater depletion and possible summer rationing as authorities warn of harder measures to save energy and water.
Arsenic in Indian groundwater causes serious health problems. Two brothers from Bihar developed METAL, a chemical-free magnetic way to clean water and built the MARU unit; their startup Navmarg has treated over 300,000 litres and plans sensors and AI.
Iran faces a severe water shortage made worse by unauthorized groundwater drilling by military-linked actors. Official silence has allowed aquifers to fall, forcing village abandonment and producing wider ecological and social damage.