Water and Waste Management

Water is one of our most important natural resources. It is an economic commodity and increasingly a key political factor as drinking grows more scarce. Two-thirds of all sources of potable water are seriously contaminated, and four of five illnesses occurring in developing countries can be traced back to polluted drinking water. Currently more than one billion people have no access to clean drinking water, and this number is on the rise. In future disputes and conflicts over water will only increase. Even places with access to clean water often lack the necessary maintenance structures. Untreated water cannot simply be allowed to flow into our natural water systems, though this is exactly what is happening: In most developing countries, the majority of waste water from industry, private households and agriculture flows into lakes and rivers untreated. This situation is compounded by falling groundwater tables almost everywhere in the world. Human beings are currently using more water from these underground reserves than can be replaced by rainfall. Increasing environmental pollution and at times high levels of contamination in the soil acerbate the problem. We must therefore find ways of promoting economical and sustainable water use throughout the world and develop efficient systems for managing the environment to ensure that the need for water – today and by future generations – can be met.


Inwent has developed a range of programmes that convey interdisciplinary knowledge and know-how regarding water policy, integrated water resource management, sanitary engineering and rural water use. Our programmes strengthen both the individual decision-making skills of participants and entire local partnership networks. Inwent also offers dialogue events at which international experts can exchange their ideas and experience.

Inwent’s "Reforming the Water Sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region)" programme is currently involved in a four-year project that began in 2005. Its objective is to develop integrated water resource management systems in the region and adapt technologies for the supply and disposal of drinking water to suit local conditions. The institutional, judicial and rule of law framework conditions also need restructuring to promote reforms in the MENA region. Inwent provides the necessary expert and methodological skills and encourages regional cross-national cooperation.

The neighbouring country of Syria lacks the capacity to analyse its water, waste water and soil to determine their respective levels of pollution. Without the information provided by such analyses, it is impossible to judge whether using the water poses any health risks. Inwent’s “Decentralised Waste Water Management in Syria” programme contributes to anchoring the relevant environmental and waste water management know-how at an operative level. Participants also learn how to introduce high quality standards in their firms, thus ensuring the efficient use of water as a resource.

Our "Wave – Improving the Capacity of the Water Sectors in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia" programme builds on experience gathered during the MENA project. Inwent provides experts and executives from regional organisations with the know-how they need to develop long-term, integrated and cross-national solutions for the supply and disposal of water in sub-Saharan Africa.

Urbanisation is a continuing trend in Bolivia, Peru and Nicaragua. Increasing numbers of people in the cities also increases the need for urban infrastructure services, including water supply and waste water treatment facilities. Our “Managing the Communal Water Supply in Latin America” programme supports local water supply firms in identifying and implementing the necessary measures.

D+C online: Water for all - but how? 

D+C online: Baby in need of strengthening 

Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) information on the topic