• As per WaterAid, nearly 1 in 10 people worldwide (~748 million) lack access to safe water.
• From 1990 to 2008, about half of the people who gained water access were in India and China.
• Since 1981, WaterAid has helped provide 21 million people with safe water.

Real-world example: Think of it like this, the population without access to safe water is almost equivalent to twice the population of the United States!

• Smaller baths hold less water and thus save water.
• Showers save more water than baths. Water-efficient showerheads give the sensation of a larger water flow than what is actually used.
• Taps with low flow rates and auto shut-off mechanisms can conserve water.
• Turning off taps when not in use, fixing dripping taps, and using appliances like dishwashers and washing machines only when full can conserve significant amounts of water.

Real-world example: A running tap wastes over six litres of water a minute! A dripping tap can waste over 5,500 litres a year, that's enough water to fill a small swimming pool!

• In some areas, people pay for the amount of water they consume. However, water may be heavily subsidized in certain farming regions, encouraging wasteful usage.
• Measuring domestic water consumption using meters allows companies to charge based on usage.
• This can be controversial. For instance, someone using extra water at home for medical care (e.g., kidney dialysis) would face higher water bills.

Real-world example: In 2014, UK's Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) proposed rule changes to allow all consumers to choose their water supplier, which could lead to greater competition, lower prices, and innovation in the water sector.