Safe Water Currency for Peace Act of 2005 - Summer

This workshop report analyzes the Safe Water: Currency for Peace Act of 2005, proposed legislation designed to expand U.S. foreign assistance efforts aimed at improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation in developing countries. Lack of clean water remains one of the most pressing global public health challenges: in 2003 the World Health Organization estimated that 1.1 billion people lacked access to safe drinking water and 2.4 billion lacked adequate sanitation. Waterborne diseases—including cholera, dysentery, and other infections—continue to cause significant mortality, particularly among children in developing regions of Africa and Asia. The report examines the scientific basis of water contamination, highlighting how pathogens spread through contaminated water sources and inadequate sanitation infrastructure. It also explores the broader development implications of water scarcity, including reduced economic productivity and increased health burdens for vulnerable populations.

The proposed legislation seeks to address these challenges by promoting investment in water infrastructure and sanitation services in developing nations. A central mechanism of the Act is the creation of financial incentives—such as investment guarantees and insurance covering up to 75 percent of project costs—to encourage private sector participation in water and sanitation projects. The legislation also emphasizes education and capacity-building initiatives to promote improved hygiene practices and effective infrastructure management. The report concludes that improving access to safe water requires a combination of infrastructure development, institutional capacity building, and public education. By mobilizing both public and private investment, the Safe Water Act aims to reduce waterborne disease and support long-term economic development while strengthening global health and stability.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.