ABSTRACT
Water is essential for all life on Earth and yet can pose a significant risk to human health. This chapter considers some of the hazards posed by water – from microbiological threats to chemical contaminants – and offers an evaluation of the risks that they pose to human populations. It also considers issues of water quantity, from floods to droughts, and impacts on lives and livelihoods, particularly the consequences for the very poor or marginalised in society. Many of the issues discussed are complicated by wider social, economic or environmental factors, and links to gender inequality, food production and extreme weather events are provided. Research needs are addressed and the reader is encouraged to think of future research, regulatory and policy directions.
