Asian Water Development Outlook, 2007

Council on Foreign Relation's Essential Documents

Published 2007

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The forward of this Asian Development Bank report states,

"The report is cautiously optimistic on Asia's water future. It points out that with existing knowledge, experience, and technology, the water problems of the Asian developing countries are solvable. The main constraint is not physical scarcity of water, though this could be an issue in some areas, but inappropriate management practices.

The Outlook, which is expected to be the first of a series of analyses on the future water situation of Asia, focuses on urban water and wastewater management. It notes that the status of provision of clean and drinkable water continues to be a serious concern in many Asian urban centers. Of even greater concern are inadequate wastewater management practices -- collection, proper treatment, and safe disposal of wastewater. As a result of this neglect, water bodies in and around urban centers are often seriously contaminated, affecting the health of both people and ecosystems. However, to improve the situation, there must be reliable data on physical as well as social, economic, and environmental factors, presently lacking in many countries, on which to base sound policies. Solving urban drinkable water and wastewater problems will require strong political will, accelerating demand from civil society to solve these problems, adequate financial and managerial support, and intensive capacity-building efforts at all levels."

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Download the report: Asian Water Development Outlook, 2007

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