Impact Investing/Social Sector Finance – Water & Sanitation

What is the urgency of water and sanitation, and why does it matter?

More than one billion people in the world today lack access to safe water, and more than 40% of the global population—more than 3 billion people—lack adequate sanitation. The burden of this reality falls overwhelmingly on the shoulders of women and girls in the developing world, who spend hours each day collecting water rather than in school or at jobs; it is estimated that 200 million hours are spent each day collecting water, and 440 million school days are lost each year. The toll on human productivity, health and overall well-being that results from this situation is without parallel in the world.

In both the developed and developing worlds, water supply is becoming an increasingly challenging and potentially dangerous issue. Although there has always been approximately the same amount of water in the world, it is not allocated equitably or commensurate with where humans are located. As a result, we live in an increasingly water scarce world. With population growth and economic development, more people demand access to more water, which creates a water-stressed environment that cannot sustain itself or the human demands placed on it. Therefore, water is poised to become an even greater source of conflict, war and natural resources management-related debates in the future.

How does Orrick get involved?

Orrick recognizes the threats that the global water and sanitation crisis presents—not only directly to its clients, but to the global community and in particular communities in the developing world. Orrick is committed to supporting its clients focused on improving access to safe water supplies, delivery and provision of safe sanitation, development of effective clean water technologies and sanitation solutions, and promotion of best practices at all points in the value chain. Some of our clients serve vulnerable populations in urban, peri-urban (slum) and rural environments, and we support their efforts working with local partners, national and international government agencies to achieve their goals.