Water is the basis of existence – for food, hygiene, health and business. Reliable provision of clean water and a functioning wastewater management system are essential for health, peaceful coexistence and productivity.
Worldwide, many people lack access to clean drinking water and reliable sanitation. At the same time, climate change and scarce resources are threatening the water supply. We work with our partners to develop solutions that are tailored to local conditions and offer long-term viability.
A reliable water supply and responsible wastewater management are key foundations for health and environmental and resource protection.
We work worldwide with public and other utility companies, as well as authorities, to make water and wastewater systems more resilient and viable for the future.
Together, we design water service systems that are not only efficient, but also climate sensitive and socially just.
Everywhere in the world, people need clean drinking water and functioning sanitation systems. In informal settlements, emergency shelters for displaced persons, and in rural areas, decentralised, practical and flexible solutions are often essential.
Water is more than infrastructure. It is also vital for dignity, health, empowerment and education.
Together with our partners, we use systems that are adapted to the local situation, from mobile hand-washing facilities to simple toilets, as well as waste recycling systems. We actively involve schools, health facilities and local authorities in order to achieve long-term results.
We also train experts locally to enable them to operate and maintain the systems independently. Hygiene education plays a key role in these efforts, because water and sanitation are more than just technology; they are the prerequisite for dignity, participation and development.
While water is essential, it is not a given. The climate crisis, growing demand, and pollution are creating situations in many regions where water is scarce or not clean.
Our goal is to conserve ecosystems and secure water supplies in the long term – for people, agriculture, business and nature.
Water distribution is not merely a technical matter; It also carries significant political, legal and social implications. In our countries of assignment, we work with decision-makers, institutions and interest groups to create the conditions needed for fair and sustainable water use. We offer advice on legislation, financing and regulation – placing particular value on transparency, participation and clearly defined responsibilities.
Our support ranges from monitoring instruments to organisational development and strengthening of local structures. In our work, we ensure that all voices are heard, including those of users, municipalities and disadvantaged groups. Cross-cutting issues such as digitalisation, gender equality and climate financing are also integral components.
After all, only by working together can we succeed in safeguarding water as a public good and manage it responsibly as the foundation of our livelihoods.
