Aspects of international water supply and wastewater disposal with a focus on developing countries

What is it about?

This paper focuses on core aspects of water supply and wastewater disposal which are of particular relevance for developing countries. In this regard, alternative approaches which have proved to be successful throughout the developing world are examined, namely: water reuse (untreated wastewater), alternative sewerage (settled and simplified sewerage), alternative wastewater treatment (waste stabilization ponds, constructed wetlands and upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors) and management of water losses (real and apparent losses).

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Why is it important?

There are several water-related crises worldwide and especially in regions in developing countries that are also affected by high water stress. The expected growth in population, urbanization and economic activity, as well as the impact of climate change, will exacerbate the situation in the coming decade ultimately affecting societies and economies all over the world. Although there are numerous technologies for water supply and wastewater disposal, the trend is towards high-tech approaches as used in developed countries. Such systems are associated with among others a high technical, operational as well as financial burden and thus, are only suitable to a limited extent around the world. Furthermore, the design of conventional systems is based on certain climatic conditions. As a result, requirements regarding water supply and wastewater disposal vary considerably around the world and especially between developed and developing countries. To meet the increasing water-related needs of developing countries, it is of major importance to think outside of conventional boxes and to have an understanding of water supply and wastewater disposal at the global context to master the potentially greatest global threat in the coming decade – namely, water crises.