Water

Specific Issues

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• How is this policy related to climate change and global warming?
• How is this policy connected with water-related health?
• How does this policy address pollution from agrochemicals, industries and domestic sources?
• How does this policy address the issue of dams? Will ADB support projects that involve the construction of a dam?
• How does this policy relate to the international goals developed in international meetings like the World Water Forum?

How is this policy related to climate change and global warming?

There are two main linkages

• Scientists expect that the distribution of rainfall within the region will change. This can cause an exacerbation of floods in some areas and droughts in others. National water sector assessments should take this into account where possible.
• Atoll island countries may face problems due to a rise in sea level, to the point that some may be submerged for shorter or longer periods of time. To determine what can be done, we are closely following the studies and debate on climate change and global warming that are carried out by specialized international organizations such as the World Meteorological Organization, and by the research community. We will carefully follow the Water and Climate Dialogue that has started for the Third World Water Forum.

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How is this policy connected with water-related health?

Access to clean water and adequate sanitation is key to public health. More than 750 million people in rural areas and another 100 million in urban areas still have no access to safe drinking water. Hygienic sanitation is needed for 1.7 billion people in rural areas, and 300 million in urban areas. Until this demand is met, productivity, incomes, and health will continue to be affected-- especially for the poor-- and human costs will remain high. The policy promotes that water and sanitation services are extended and improved to meet these needs.

How does this policy address pollution from agrochemicals, industries, and domestic sources?

Water quality is an increasingly acute concern in most developing member countries (DMCs). The effects of water pollution are mainly felt at the local level and particularly affect the poor. To address water quality issues, we will support water quality investment programs that focus on four existing gaps, including the need for

• better information on water pollution, in both urban and rural areas - This includes the need to define water quality requirements for ecosystems, including a determination of water quality thresholds
• the protection of catchments and wetlands and prevention of pollution at the source - The catchments and wetlands will serve as natural filters in the aquatic system
• better water management - This should reduce the inefficient use of water and excessive water abstraction
• reducing pollution by urban and industrial users - We can do this through on-site or combined wastewater treatment and reuse. We will also encourage the introduction of wastewater discharge permits and effluent charges as part of water rights administration

How does this policy address the issue of dams? Will ADB support projects that involve the construction of a dam?

We will adopt a cautious approach to large water resource projects, particularly those involving dams and storage. These projects will need to be justified in the public interest, and all government and nongovernment stakeholders in the country must agree on the justification. We will ensure that its environmental and social impact assessment procedures are carefully applied. Any adverse environmental effects will be properly mitigated. The number of affected people in the project area will be minimized, and those adversely affected will be adequately compensated in accordance with ADB's policy on involuntary resettlement.

In line with ADB's energy sector policy, we will continue to support technically and economically feasible hydropower projects that form part of a country's least-cost energy development plan, provided their environmental and social effects can be satisfactorily managed in accordance with ADB policies. This includes the impact on fisheries.

We have supported the work of the World Commission on Dams, and we are now engaged in discussing the Commission's report with the DMCs, to see how the recommendations can be implemented in the region.

How does this policy relate to the international goals developed in international meetings like the World Water Forum?

The policy underlines the need for each country to develop its own water policy and water action agenda with targets. We will assist our developing member countries (DMCs) in developing and adopting water action agendas that have clearly defined objectives and milestones linked to resources. In doing so, the indicative targets discussed at international fora, such as the Second World Water Forum at The Hague in March 2000, can be a useful reference point.

The targets discussed at the Second World Water Forum reflected the common goal of the Forum: to provide water security in the 21st century.

These include undertaking the following by 2015

• reducing by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to adequate quantities of affordable and safe water
• reducing by half the proportion of people without access to hygienic sanitation facilities
• establishing in all countries national standards to ensure the health of freshwater ecosystems (by 2005) and implementing programs to improve the health of freshwater ecosystems
• increasing by thirty (30) percent water productivity for food production from rainfed and irrigated farming
• developing and strengthening cooperation mechanisms between riparian states for all major river basins (by 2005) and formulating subsequent shared water agreements
• recognizing and reflecting in national policies and strategies the economic value of water (by 2005) and establishing mechanisms to facilitate full cost pricing for water services where guarantees for the poor exist

Back Implications: Costs and Cost Recovery	About ADB's Water Policy