Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Climate Change
The effects of climate change are already being felt everywhere. Most strikingly, they are felt through water. Increased demand for water due to low rainfall can cause water sources (including boreholes and springs) to run dry. Conversely, heavy rainfall and flooding can damage water sources and sanitation facilities, carry runoff and waste into streams and lakes, and contaminate the water supply.
UNICEF/UNI170476/Paul
Water scarcity through climate change and the resulting increase in the costs of water can lead to inequitable access. This may deprive households of opportunities to collect the amount of safe water needed for proper handwashing and hygiene, limiting children’s ability to grow up healthy and strong.
