When you think about water, it’s probably something you take for granted—a glass from the tap, a bottle from the fridge, or a sip from a fountain. But for millions of people around the world, safe drinking water is not just a turn of the tap away. In fact, in some countries, people are risking their health every single time they reach for a drink.
Water quality can be a tricky subject. It’s not just a matter of muddy rivers or dirty lakes. The Industrial Revolution has created a cocktail of pollutants, industrial runoff, untreated sewage, and agricultural chemicals that have contaminated drinking water sources everywhere. Some of these contaminants are invisible but incredibly harmful, causing diseases in large swathes of the population around the areas. Meanwhile, other areas simply don’t have adequate water treatment facilities, meaning cholera and typhoid still reign supreme in these waterways and are a real risk to people. Clean drinking water is a luxury many of us enjoy, and we often forget how lucky we are to have it.
In these places, every drop is precious, and the journey to access clean water is often long and dangerous. Get ready to practice some gratitude for the miracles of indoor plumbing and modern water treatment as we take you on a world tour of the 14 places with the worst water quality.
1. India
India’s water crisis is no secret. Rivers like the Ganges, considered sacred by many, are choked with pollution from industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural runoff. It’s a strange paradox, on one hand, the country has abundant rivers, but on the other, millions lack access to clean drinking water.
The problem isn’t just about pollution, either. The country’s population growth and rapid urbanization strain water resources further, making it harder to implement and maintain effective water treatment systems. For many, the result is that a simple glass of water can mean exposure to waterborne diseases that are all too common.
2. Pakistan
In Pakistan, more than half of the population faces some kind of water contamination issue. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and poor sewage treatment facilities contribute to polluted rivers and groundwater sources.
The situation is especially dire in rural areas, where people depend on untreated water sources and often walk miles to fetch it. Safe drinking water is often a luxury reserved for urban centers, leaving rural communities at constant risk of diseases from unsafe water.
3. Nigeria
Nigeria’s water quality has been compromised by everything from oil spills to inadequate sanitation facilities. The Niger Delta, once a thriving ecosystem, is now contaminated with petroleum residues, making it unsafe for drinking and poses a serious risk to communities.
Urban areas fare slightly better, but in rural Nigeria, where sanitation is often makeshift, people are forced to drink from polluted streams and rivers. It’s a dire situation with the spread of waterborne diseases becoming common in these regions.
4. Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, millions face a unique and terrifying water issue: arsenic contamination. This naturally occurring element seeps into groundwater, turning what might appear to be clean water into a slow and insidious poison. Many people aren’t even aware of the dangers, as arsenic doesn’t have a taste or smell.
In other areas, polluted surface water remains a challenge. Agricultural runoff and untreated sewage contribute to contamination, making waterborne diseases a common concern. Access to safe water is limited, with resources often diverted to arsenic filtration rather than broader sanitation improvements.
5. Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, access to safe water is a daily struggle for millions. Contaminated water sources are often shared by humans and animals alike, leading to the rapid spread of diseases. Rural communities, in particular, depend on rivers and streams that are far from clean.
This water crisis affects nearly every aspect of life. People spend hours each day collecting water, often from unsafe sources. Children are particularly vulnerable to waterborne illnesses, which can be fatal in areas with limited healthcare access.
6. Uganda
In Uganda, more than half of the population lacks access to safe drinking water. Many rural communities rely on contaminated lakes and rivers, which are teeming with bacteria and parasites. During dry seasons, water sources become scarce, leading people to share what little remains with livestock, a dangerous practice that only increases disease risk.
The country has made efforts to improve water access, but many of these initiatives are focused on urban areas. For rural communities, fetching water often means a long trek, and what they bring back may be far from safe to drink. This situation perpetuates a cycle of waterborne diseases, which is detrimental to vulnerable populations like children.
7. Brazil
Brazil might be home to the mighty Amazon River, but even this lush country faces severe water quality issues. Rapid deforestation and mining activities have led to mercury and other pollutants entering water systems. Meanwhile, urban areas struggle with poor sewage treatment, resulting in rivers and beaches plagued by contamination.
In regions like São Paulo, water shortages and pollution go hand in hand. Many people face restricted access to clean water, particularly during dry spells. And for those in rural areas, untreated water is often the only option, bringing with it a host of health risks.
8. Haiti
Haiti’s water quality issues involve a complex mix of poverty, natural disasters, and lack of infrastructure. Since the devastating earthquake back in 2010, the country has struggled to rebuild, leaving many without access to safe drinking water. Cholera outbreaks have become a tragically regular occurrence linked to the country’s insufficient sanitation systems.
For many Haitians, access to clean water means relying on aid organizations, but this is far from a permanent solution. People often have no choice but to drink from contaminated streams or collect rainwater, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases that can be fatal in a country with limited healthcare resources.
9. Ghana
66% of households in Ghana are exposed to drinking water that has probably been contaminated with faecal matter. Rapid urbanization has outpaced the development of adequate sanitation infrastructure, leaving rivers and lakes vulnerable to pollution from household and industrial waste.
In rural Ghana, many communities still fetch water from ponds and rivers, which are often shared with livestock. Efforts have been made to increase the availability of clean water, but funding and resources are limited. As a result, families frequently face the health risks that come with consuming untreated water.
10. Nepal
Nepal is known for its breathtaking landscapes, but its water quality is far from pristine. In rural areas, communities rely on rivers that run through agricultural land, picking up fertilizers and pesticides along the way. Meanwhile, in urban centers like Kathmandu, old, damaged pipelines allow contaminants to seep into the drinking water supply.
The aftermath of the 2015 earthquake left infrastructure in shambles, worsening the water crisis. People are often forced to drink contaminated water, which leads to frequent outbreaks of illnesses like cholera. Clean water is especially critical in a country with limited healthcare resources, yet it remains a struggle for millions.
11. Yemen
Yemen’s water crisis is deeply intertwined with the country’s ongoing conflict. The destruction of water infrastructure has left millions without access to safe water, and in many regions, the only available sources are highly contaminated. The situation is dire, with the lack of clean water exacerbating malnutrition and disease outbreaks.
Children are particularly vulnerable to waterborne illnesses in Yemen, where cholera and other diseases spread quickly in areas with poor sanitation. For most families, water collection is a daily battle, often involving long walks and hours of waiting, only to bring home water that may be far from safe to drink.
12. Cambodia
In Cambodia, many rural communities rely on untreated surface water, which is often contaminated with agricultural chemicals and human waste. The country’s rapid population growth has put pressure on water resources, and pollution from industry and agriculture has worsened the situation.
Efforts to improve water quality are hampered by a lack of infrastructure, especially in rural areas where the need is greatest. For many Cambodians, finding clean water is a constant challenge, and diseases like typhoid and cholera are far too common as a result.
13. Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s water quality issues are partly due to years of conflict, which has left infrastructure damaged or destroyed. Many people, particularly in rural areas, have no choice but to drink from streams and rivers that are contaminated with human and animal waste.
The lack of clean water contributes to Afghanistan’s high mortality rates among children, as waterborne illnesses are widespread. International aid has helped to some extent, but the instability in the region makes it difficult to implement long-term solutions for safe drinking water.
14. Sudan
Sudan’s water problems stem from a mix of natural and man-made issues. In rural areas, people depend on rivers and open wells, which are easily contaminated by livestock and poor sanitation practices. The lack of access to safe drinking water is a significant health hazard, leading to regular disease outbreaks.
In conflict zones, water is even scarcer, as people are often displaced and forced to drink from whatever source they can find. The country’s political and economic instability hinders efforts to improve water quality, making it a constant struggle for many to access clean water.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.