The availability of clean drinking water is a development issue faced by billions of people in the
developing and near-developed world. Development organizations continually site the lack of access to
clean water and sanitation as the leading cause of death amongst children in rural areas. The scale of this
problem is immense, as are its solutions. The global nature of this issue opens the door for the application
of communal solutions, as was demonstrated by the discussions surrounding the Johannesburg global
climate meeting where water issues were a key concern that all nations could come together to support.
Like energy, the need for clean water is increasing rapidly as supplies of traditional resources continue to
diminish due to overuse, waste, and pollution. Unlike energy, the ability to harness local resources to
produce water is not possible. However, we do have the capability to use local energy resources to gain
access to water supplies that would otherwise be unavailable and then ensure that this water is safe for
human consumption. Most water is located underground in deep aquifers, in surface lakes, rivers, and
streams or in the ocean. Technologies exist to make use of all of these water sources but in many cases,
the absence of available, inexpensive energy makes their use expensive, time consuming, and potentially
dangerous. The proper application of any number of energy options available today can make gaining
access to this water a reality in many areas not previously considered.
This report, one of three written by the author, provides insight into providing water to people in rural
areas. By considering all aspects of water systems from assessing availability, accessibility, treatment,
supply systems, and post use treatment, this document provides insight into all aspects of the water
system. The document also discusses a variety of energy sources available to rural and remote areas to
provide power for any proposed water systems. The report is unique as it provides a very evenhanded
approach to the selection of different technologies and power choices.