This publication provides guidance to water-sector decision makers and planners on how to deal with the quality dimension of groundwater resources management in the World Bank's client countries. There is growing evidence of increasing pollution threats to groundwater and some well-documented cases of irreversible damage to important aquifers. This guide has been produced in the belief that groundwater pollution hazard assessment must become an essential part of environmental best practice for water supply utilities. The guide is particularly relevant for the World Bank's Latin American and Caribbean Region, where many countries have initiated major changes to modernize their institutional and legal framework for water resources management, but may not yet have considered groundwater at the same level as surface water, because of lack of awareness and knowledge of groundwater issues and policy options.

This report identifies opportunities and challenges for local financing of water utilities in Peru and suggests recommendations for removing barriers and creating incentives for scaling-up local financing to local water utilities. It was developed with an understanding that meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in water and sanitation in Peru will require scaling up local financing for the sector and that efficiency and effectiveness can be enhanced by greater involvement of local institutional investors and other parties. This joint study exposes many of the barriers to local private financing facing the urban water supply and sewerage (WS&S) sector in Peru. In short, the majority of local water utilities cannot meet credit rating and governance standards required to access private financing. Consequently, loans from financial markets are rare. These findings are probably not specific to Peru. Accordingly, there is great value for central governments to undertake similarly detailed studies to identify the obstacles preventing access to local financing unique to their country's WS&S sector. | Este informe identifica oportunidades y retos para el financiamiento local de las Empresas de Agua (EPS) en Perú y sugiere recomendaciones para eliminar las barreras y crear los incentivos que permitan expandir el financiamiento local a las EPS. Fue desarrollado partiendo de la premisa de que el logro de los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio en Perú, en materia de agua y saneamiento, requerirá la expansión del financiamiento privado al sector; asimismo, que es posible incrementar la eficacia y la eficiencia de las EPS por medio de una mayor participación de inversores institucionales locales y otros actores.

Raízes intactas e segmentos transversais de batata-doce (Ipomea batatas L. Lam) foram totalmente ou parcialmente imersos em água. Raízes ou segmentos parcialmente imersos ficaram com menos de 10% da superfície externa fora da água, em um suspiro. Nestes ensaios a pressão da atmosfera interna das raízes parcialmente imersas manteve-se apenas alguns milímetros inferior a pressão atmosférica. Nas raízes totalmente imersas a pressão reduziu-se quase linearmente até mais de 1m de coluna de água e depois voltou a aumentar lentamente. Nas raízes intactas ou nos seus segmentos transversais totalmente imersos, houve maior infiltração de água nos volumes intercelulares do que nas raízes ou segmentos parcialmente imersos. Nas raízes intactas praticamente houve apenas absorção de água através das paredes e membranas celulares. Nos segmentos a infiltração de água através dos volumes intercelulares foi dominante. Considerando-se as dimensões transversais dos volumes intercelulares, sugere-se que partículas como bactérias e esporos possam ser arrastados para o interior órgão pela infiltração de água durante a lavação dos tecidos mecânicamente danificados.<br>Intact roots and transversal root segments of sweet-potato (Ipomea batatas L. Lam) were partially or completely submerged in water. In partially submerged roots less than 10% of the dermal surface remained exposed to air through a vent. Internal atmosphere pressure in partially submerged roots remained a few millimeters bellow the atmospheric pressure, while a much larger and nearly linear pressure reduction occurred in completely submerged roots. This linear phase caused a pressure reduction larger than 1m of water column. After that, the pressure started to rise slowly. The observed pressure reduction was smaller than the one observed in the constant pressure manometry procedure where the roots were sealed with epoxy resin, which precluded any water infiltration and changes of root volume. Partially submerged intact roots and segments were less subject to intercellular water infiltration than the completely submerged ones. The mass increase of submerged intact roots was caused mainly by water absorption, a process which is known to exclude molecules with a size larger than a few nanometers. In transversely segmented roots most water entered by intercellular volume infiltration, which may introduce fungi spores and bacteria and other particles inside the damaged organ.

The objective of this research was to develop a diagnostic of the water quality of the Parauapebas River (Pará, Brazil), in the dry periods of 2004, 2007 and 2009. In 20 sampling sites in Parauapebas River, around of the Parauapebas City, physical (transparency, water temperature and total solid residues), chemical (dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, acidity, chloride, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, total phosphorus, total iron and total nitrogen), and biological parameters (thermotolerant coliforms) were measured. The results were used for the determination of Water Quality Index (WQI). As support to the interpretation of these parameters, a Principal Components Analysis (PCA), multiple regression and linear regression analyses and, a general survey of physical, biotical and social-economic of the region were performed. WQI for the Parauapebas River, in the monitored area, was 40.01, which classifies it in the category "Regular". The PCA and multiple regression analysis identified four parameters that have been employed in the WQI determination and that influenced significantly the variation of the Index: dissolved oxygen, BOD, total phosphorus and thermotolerant coliforms, which explained 75% of the variation of the results. The results indicate that the urban expansion, in especial in the directions N-NW and S-SW, has reached the areas surrounding the Riparian Forest, and affected partially the surface water quality of the Parauapebas River. | O objetivo desta pesquisa foi desenvolver um diagnóstico da qualidade da água do rio Parauapebas (Estado do Pará, Brasil), com base no monitoramento realizado nos períodos de baixa precipitação dos anos 2004, 2007 e 2009. Em 20 locais de amostragem ao longo do rio no entorno da cidade de Parauapebas, foram avaliados na água parâmetros físicos (transparência, temperatura da água e resíduo total), químicos (oxigênio dissolvido, pH, turbidez, alcalinidade, dureza, acidez, cloreto, DBO, DQO e fósforo, ferro e nitrogênio totais) e biológicos (coliformes termotolerantes). A partir dos resultados foi desenvolvido o Índice de Qualidade de Água - IQA para o trecho monitorado. Para interpretação dos dados realizou-se estudos complementares de análise de componentes principais, regressão múltipla e regressão linear, além de levantamentos de informações a respeito dos meios físicos, bióticos e sócio-econômicos da região. O IQA determinado para o rio Parauapebas foi de 40,01 o que o enquadra na categoria "Regular". Com as análises de componentes principais e de regressão múltipla identificaram-se quatro variáveis que influenciaram significativamente na variação do índice: oxigênio dissolvido, demanda bioquímica do oxigênio, fósforo total e coliformes termotolerantes, que explicaram 75% da variação dos resultados. A expansão urbana, especialmente nas direções N-NO e S-SO, atingiu as áreas próximas às reservas de mata ciliar, comprometendo, em parte, a qualidade das águas superficiais do rio Parauapebas.

A utilização de indicadores e índices de saúde ambiental vem se mostrando uma técnica importante para a agregação de informações complexas numa forma mais simples, permitindo aos seus usuários, gestores e sociedade civil, uma melhor compreensão do estado de saúde e ambiente num determinado local. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo a construção de um índice de saúde, saneamento e qualidade da água, demonstrando os procedimentos metodológicos, critérios e dificuldades envolvidas nesse processo. Os indicadores utilizados na construção do índice fazem parte do Atlas ÁguaBrasil, calculados para os municípios do Brasil e foram obtidos através de diferentes sistemas de informação. A seleção dos indicadores que compuseram o índice baseou-se na relevância estatística e teórica de cada indicador. Os indicadores foram padronizados, ficando cada um com valor entre 0 e 1. Vários índices (cada um abrangendo diferentes indicadores) foram testados com duas operações diferentes, uma baseada na soma e outra, no produto. A variação desses índices entre municípios foi demonstrada através de estatística descritiva, mapas e correlações estatísticas. Dessa forma, verificaram-se diferenças entre o método que utiliza a soma e o método que utiliza o produto dos componentes do índice, onde a soma tende a aumentar a média do índice enquanto o produto tende a reduzir essa média. O índice final mostra um retrato do estado de saneamento, saúde e qualidade da água e pode indicar ações e prioridades de saneamento no país. | Environmental health indicators and indexes are important tools for aggregating complex information into a simpler way. It allows its users, stakeholders and civil society, to have a better comprehension of environment and health state at a specific place. The present work aims to develop an environment, sanitation and water quality index, identifying methodological paths, choices and difficulties enrolled in this process. All indicators used in the index are part of the “AguaBrasil Atlas”, calculated for the set of Brazilian municipalities, and obtained from different information systems. Indicators selection was based on statistical and theoretical relevance. Indicators were standardized to a value within 0 and 1, so that they could be compared and operated. Indexes were tested with two different kinds of mathematics operations, based on the components sum and product. Theses indexes are presented by statistical description, statistical correlations and maps. The tested indexes showed relevant differences between the components’ sum method and the product method. While the sum tends to increase the index mean, the product decreased it. The final index shows a profile of sanitation, health and water quality state of the art, indicating possible sanitation actions and priorities in Brazil.

Climate change is at the top of the development agenda in Central America. This region, together with the Caribbean, is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change in Latin America. Climate change is manifesting itself through higher average temperatures and more frequent droughts that result in higher water stress, and through the rising frequency of extreme weather events such as tropical storms, hurricanes, floods and landslides, all of which pose significant challenges in the rural water supply and sanitation sector. The paper starts with a review of the historic data on temperature and precipitation trends in Central America and particularly at the regional level in Nicaragua. The data reveal a clear trend of the growing climate variability, increased water stress for crops, and greater frequency of extreme weather events. The rising intensity and frequency of ex-treme weather events is among the most critical risks to the region's development agenda, and they translate into high economic losses. This paper examines the impacts and implications of potential climate change on water resources in Nicaragua and makes key recommendations to integrate climate change and rural water supply and sanitation policies and programs in a way that increase resilience to current and future climate conditions. | 0

Tesis (Magíster en Economía Agraria y Ambiental)--Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 2023. | Esta investigación aborda la desigualdad en el acceso al agua potable y saneamiento en Chile, evaluando la disparidad, tanto en términos económicos, como geográficos. Los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) se comprometen a "no dejar a nadie atrás", pero los indicadores de cobertura han demostrado no capturar adecuadamente estas desigualdades. Utilizando el Índice de Concentración, se analizó el acceso a la red pública formal de alcantarillado y el acceso mejorado. Los resultados revelan desigualdades a nivel nacional, con un Índice de Concentración (IC) alrededor de -0,41, y a nivel urbano, con -0,32. En entornos rurales, las diferencias entre la carencia de acceso a la red pública de alcantarillados y el acceso mejorado son significativas, siendo en promedio de -0,05 y -0,24 respectivamente. Esta diferencia se debe a la baja cobertura de la red pública formal, donde pozos y fosas sépticas desempeñan un papel crucial en el abastecimiento de agua potable y saneamiento para la población rural. Aunque Chile muestra buenos índices de cobertura general, la investigación destaca la existencia de desigualdades que dejan a algunas personas rezagadas. Este estudio contribuye a la literatura sobre el uso de medidas de desigualdad en el contexto de los ODS, evidenciando cómo los indicadores de cobertura pueden invisibilizar las disparidades reales.

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de enfermedades gastrointestinales vinculadas al uso de aguas contaminadas en los hogares con carencia de acceso a agua potable y saneamiento en el Valle del Mezquital en Hidalgo, México. Método: Se utilizaron datos obtenidos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición de 2012; se elaboró un modelo logístico binomial considerando variables sociodemográficas y otras relacionadas con las fuentes de abastecimiento de agua y saneamiento en los hogares. Resultados: Existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la probabilidad de presentar eventos de enfermedad en función al origen de la fuente del agua que llega a los hogares, la frecuencia de ésta, así como por la carencia de drenaje y de descarga directa en el sanitario. Limitaciones: Los resultados son representativos de la región, pero no de cada municipio que lo conforma. Principales hallazgos: La falta de servicios básicos y de acceso a agua potable incrementa la probabilidad de eventos de enfermedad de tipo gastrointestinal en los hogares del Valle del Mezquital. Se recomienda implementar estrategias de política pública en términos de cobertura de servicios básicos, así como programas de tratamiento de agua que minimicen las afectaciones en la salud por el uso doméstico. | Abstract Purpose: To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases associated with the use of contaminanted water in households lacking drinking water and sanitation in the Mezquital Valley in Hidalgo. Methodology: Data from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey was used. A binomial logistic model was developed which considered sociodemographic variables as well as others related to the sources of water supply and sanitation in households. Results: There are statistically significant differences in the probability of becoming infected with a disease depending on the origin of the water source that reaches households, its frequency as well as lack of drainage and direct discharge in the toilet. Limitations: The results are representative of the region but not of each municipality that integrate it. Main findings: Lack of basic services and access to drinking water increase the probability of gastrointestinal events in households in the Mezquital Valley. The implementation of public policy strategies in terms of coverage of basic services is recommended as well as water treatment programs that minimize the effects on health due to domestic use.

The global commitment to bring universal access to safely managed water supply and sanitation by 2030 set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) poses an unprecedented challenge. Strong political leadership will be required to bring about sector-wide changes in governance and building technical and administrative capacity at scale. This will pave the way for building, operating, and maintaining cost-effective infrastructure to supply improved and sustained services. The current model of sector finance is insufficient for reaching thee goals. Four interlinked priority actions should be taken to tackle this challenge: (1) make more efficient use of existing resources; (2) use public funds in a more targeted manner; (3) attract domestic commercial finance; and (4) focus on de-risking the sector. Through these steps, countries will be able to leverage each dollar of public funds to crowd in commercial finance, which will have significant and long-term benefits for the sector. Countries should aim to slowly and incrementally introduce commercial finance to the sector, and can ease the transition through a range of available tools.