The report notes the particular impact of existing water supplies being contaminated by poorly performing or non-existent sanitation systems.
“At least 2 billion people (globally) use a drinking water source contaminated with faeces, putting them at risk of cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio,” it said.
This high number does not take into account pollution from pharmaceuticals, chemicals, pesticides, microplastics and nanomaterials.
The report states that to ensure access to safe drinking water for all by 2030, current levels of investment would need to triple.
Freshwater ecosystems – which, in addition to water, provide life-sustaining economic resources and help combat global warming – “are among the most threatened in the world,” the report warned.
“We have to act now because water insecurity is undermining food security, health security, energy security or urban development and social issues,” Dutch special envoy for water Henk Oovink told AFP.
“It’s now or never as we say – a once in a generation opportunity.”