SUSTAINABILITY

Efficient water systems. Between March 22 and 26, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) held a series of virtual events with the aim of revaluing water care and treatment. Within this framework, the organization presented a series of recommendations such as giving an integral regulatory treatment to water processing, combining the control of water quality/quantity, managing water quantity through policies that control demand; promoting its efficient use and allocating it to the areas that need it most. It also recommends reviewing practices that affect its availability; reducing and controlling water pollution; and facilitating the incorporation and diffusion of new innovative technologies. Although not binding, the OECD hopes that the guidelines will help governments strengthen their water resource protection policies.

During the first meeting, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria presented water policy guidelines along with testimonies from ministers on the critical challenges ahead. This discussion was accompanied by the presentation of the Council’s recommendations, which summarize the OECD’s consultative process with key actors in water governance to: manage water quantity; improve water quality; prevent risks and disasters; ensure good governance; and guarantee sustainable financing of services and infrastructure.

On the other hand, the importance of sanitation, hygiene and adequate access to water revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic was also highlighted, given that the levels of contagion of the virus worsened in areas with precarious living conditions, without access to facilities for sanitation and clean water. In addition, specific sessions were dedicated to addressing the particular situations in the African, Latin American and Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific regions.

Next steps

The recommendations presented by the OECD Council are not binding, however governments are expected to incorporate the suggestions in the management of their water systems to respond to the global need to guarantee its supply and sanitation in an effective and sustainable way.