ABSTRACT
Economic, social, and health problems that result from insufficient water are a primary concern. The proper allocation of water resources for domestic consumption is essential to health, because water scarcity eventually leads to problems of water quality and exposes populations to infectious diseases and pollutants that are associated with insufficient or contaminated water. The implications for water resources management are clear. Countries with limited water resources need to be particularly careful in the management of those resources. Making water supplies a sustainable reality in the developing world is a major challenge, especially in small water systems which often lack the technical, financial and human resources for proper and efficient operations. The provision of safe drinking water in developing nations remains a major challenge for planners, water engineers and technicians. Pan American Health Organization and WHO will continue to support their Member States in that important effort.
