United News of Bangladesh

The interim government has taken up a water management initiative in the hill district of Rangamati to ensure sustainable water supply, protect riverbanks and improve livelihoods in one of the country’s most environmentally fragile regions, according to officials. They said the project, titled ‘Sustainable Water Management of the Karnaphuli and Associated Rivers in Rangamati Hill District’, will be implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) under the Ministry of Water Resources at an estimated cost of Tk 687.39 crore, fully funded by the government. Implementation is scheduled from January 2026 to June 2030 and will cover 10 upazilas of Rangamati district, according to the project document. Officials said the project is crucial for securing surface water availability in the hill district, where communities largely depend on rivers and streams for drinking water, irrigation, fisheries and transportation. Read more: Govt cuts Tk 12,000cr from top development projects over slow progress The Karnaphuli River and its associated rivers—Kachalong, Raikhyang and Shalak—serve as lifelines for the region, particularly during the dry season when water scarcity becomes acute. According to the project outline, one of the key objectives is to restore and maintain navigability and year-round water flow in the feeder rivers of Kaptai Lake through extensive dredging. The Kachalong, Raikhyang and Shalak rivers will be dredged to remove accumulated silt, helping to reduce sudden flooding during the monsoon while ensuring adequate water supply during the dry months. Water resources officials said sustained water flow in these rivers is essential for maintaining water levels in Kaptai Lake, which feeds the country’s only hydroelectric power station. Improved water availability is also expected to support fisheries, a major source of livelihood for hill communities, and enhance surface irrigation for agriculture in downstream areas. Read more: Rangamati: IG goes where no govt has gone before, with water management initiative for Rangamati The project also aims to excavate and re-excavate river-linked canals to improve surface irrigation and address chronic waterlogging in low-lying areas. Many canals in Rangamati have lost their capacity due to long-term siltation, disrupting water distribution and limiting agricultural production, particularly in the dry season. In addition to water supply, the project places strong emphasis on riverbank protection. About 13.72 kilometres of riverbank protection works will be carried out to safeguard critical infrastructure, educational institutions and settlements from erosion along the Karnaphuli and its tributaries. Riverbank erosion has emerged as a persistent threat in Rangamati, especially during the monsoon when heavy rainfall and upstream flows cause rivers to swell and change course. Officials said that the Karnaphuli is the only riverine communication route between Barkal upazila and Rangamati district headquarters, making bank protection vital for maintaining connectivity and access to essential services. They said special attention will be given to the border-adjacent Thegamukh area along the India-Bangladesh frontier, where aggressive river erosion has endangered public installations, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) facilities, local markets and schools. Read more: DWASA moves to set up Tk 721cr training, research academy Riverbank protection in this area is expected to help prevent further land loss and protect national territory. Project documents note that changes in the river system date back to the construction of the Kaptai Dam in the 1960s, which altered the natural flow of the Karnaphuli and its tributaries. Since then, sediment carried during the monsoon has been depositing in riverbeds and Kaptai Lake, gradually reducing water depth and flow capacity. As a result, navigation becomes extremely difficult during February to April, often isolating remote communities and increasing transport costs for essential goods. Farmers also suffer due to the absence of water in canals during the dry season, leading to reduced agricultural output. The proposed interventions are based on recommendations from a feasibility study conducted by the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) titled Feasibility Study for the Development & Management of Karnafully River Basin (With Halda River). The study identified erosion-prone zones and highlighted the need for integrated river training, dredging and canal excavation to ensure sustainable water management in Rangamati. Officials believe that once implemented, the project will significantly improve water security in the hill district, ensuring reliable surface water supply for domestic use, agriculture, fisheries and power generation. Read more: A costly bridge in Manikganj waiting for roads Improved river flow and connectivity are also expected to boost tourism, while construction activities and expanded economic opportunities will contribute to employment generation and overall socio-economic development in the region. With climate variability increasing pressure on hill ecosystems, authorities view the project as a strategic investment to balance development needs with long-term water sustainability in Rangamati.

The interim government has taken up a water management initiative in the hill district of Rangamati to ensure sustainable water supply, protect riverbanks and improve livelihoods in one of the country’s most environmentally fragile regions. The project, titled Sustainable Water Management of the Karnaphuli and Associated Rivers in Rangamati Hill District, will be implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) under the Ministry of Water Resources at an estimated cost of Tk 687.39 crore, fully funded by the government. Implementation is scheduled from January 2026 to June 2030 and will cover 10 upazilas of Rangamati district, according to the project document. Officials said the project is crucial for securing surface water availability in the hill district, where communities largely depend on rivers and streams for drinking water, irrigation, fisheries and transportation. Read more: Irregularities deepen doubts over Khulna’s mega embankment project The Karnaphuli River and its associated rivers—Kachalong, Raikhyang and Shalak—serve as lifelines for the region, particularly during the dry season when water scarcity becomes acute. According to the project outline, one of the key objectives is to restore and maintain navigability and year-round water flow in the feeder rivers of Kaptai Lake through extensive dredging. The Kachalong, Raikhyang and Shalak rivers will be dredged to remove accumulated silt, helping to reduce sudden flooding during the monsoon while ensuring adequate water supply during the dry months. Water resources officials said sustained water flow in these rivers is essential for maintaining water levels in Kaptai Lake, which feeds the country’s only hydroelectric power station. Improved water availability is also expected to support fisheries, a major source of livelihood for hill communities, and enhance surface irrigation for agriculture in downstream areas. The project also aims to excavate and re-excavate river-linked canals to improve surface irrigation and address chronic waterlogging in low-lying areas. Many canals in Rangamati have lost their capacity due to long-term siltation, disrupting water distribution and limiting agricultural production, particularly in the dry season. In addition to water supply, the project places strong emphasis on riverbank protection. About 13.72 kilometres of riverbank protection works will be carried out to safeguard critical infrastructure, educational institutions and settlements from erosion along the Karnaphuli and its tributaries. River erosion has emerged as a persistent threat in Rangamati, especially during the monsoon when heavy rainfall and upstream flows cause rivers to swell and change course. Officials noted that the Karnaphuli is the only riverine communication route between Barkal upazila and Rangamati district headquarters, making bank protection vital for maintaining connectivity and access to essential services. Read more: DWASA moves to set up Tk 721cr training, research academy Special attention will be given to the border-adjacent Thegamukh area along the India-Bangladesh frontier, where aggressive river erosion has endangered public installations, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) facilities, local markets and schools. Riverbank protection in this area is expected to help prevent further land loss and protect national territory. Project documents note that changes in the river system date back to the construction of the Kaptai Dam in the 1960s, which altered the natural flow of the Karnaphuli and its tributaries. Since then, sediment carried during the monsoon has been depositing in riverbeds and Kaptai Lake, gradually reducing water depth and flow capacity. As a result, navigation becomes extremely difficult during February to April, often isolating remote communities and increasing transport costs for essential goods. Farmers also suffer due to the absence of water in canals during the dry season, leading to reduced agricultural output. The proposed interventions are based on recommendations from a feasibility study conducted by the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) titled Feasibility Study for the Development & Management of Karnafully River Basin (With Halda River). The study identified erosion-prone zones and highlighted the need for integrated river training, dredging and canal excavation to ensure sustainable water management in Rangamati. Officials believe that once implemented, the project will significantly improve water security in the hill district, ensuring reliable surface water supply for domestic use, agriculture, fisheries and power generation. Improved river flow and connectivity are also expected to boost tourism, while construction activities and expanded economic opportunities will contribute to employment generation and overall socio-economic development in the region. With climate variability increasing pressure on hill ecosystems, authorities view the project as a strategic investment to balance development needs with long-term water sustainability in Rangamati.   Read more: Riverbank embankment sinks into Akhira before completion!

The temperature of water you drink can affect your body in various ways, but there isn't a definitive answer to whether it's better to drink warm or cold water. It depends on your personal preferences, the situation, and your health. Benefits of Drinking Warm Water . Helps Digestion Warm water can help break down food in the stomach, making digestion easier. It stimulates the digestive enzymes, which can lead to smoother digestion. Drinking warm water before meals may help to prepare your stomach for digestion. But you shouldn't drink too much hot water. Because, regrettably, hot water can cause damage to the tongue, palate, and stomach tube. The long-term damage brought on by hot foods and drinks may also make people more susceptible to esophageal cancer.  Read more: How to Avoid Winter Weight Gain  Relieves Congestion If you're dealing with nasal or chest congestion, warm water can help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel. It can also soothe a sore throat and help clear out blockages, providing comfort when you're feeling under the weather. Improves Blood Circulation Warm water can promote better blood circulation by expanding blood vessels, improving oxygen delivery to tissues, and helping to remove toxins from the body. This can enhance overall circulation, which benefits your heart health and overall well-being. Helps Prevent Constipation Drinking warm water may stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. It can help soften stool and make it easier to pass, promoting regularity. Read more: How to Fix Your Sleep Routine: Know the Do's and Don'ts Soothes Menstrual Cramps For women experiencing menstrual cramps, warm water can provide comfort. It helps relax the abdominal muscles and ease cramping, providing relief during menstruation. Improves Sleep Quality Drinking a cup of warm water before bed can help you relax and prepare for sleep. It helps calm the nervous system and may promote better, deeper sleep.

Benjamin Franklin says "When the well's dry, we know the worth of water." This seems very true for many urban areas and cities in the world. The mega city Dhaka is experiencing a severe water crisis in recent years. Water shortage becomes worse during the summer months. The groundwater table is diminishing at an alarming rate. Is it too late to achieve water sustainability in Dhaka? Groundwater Depletion Scenario in Dhaka At present, Dhaka has around 21 million people, which is projected to cross 32 million by 2035. Uncontrolled migration and rapid urbanisation are generating diverse problems, including the water crisis. Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) is failing to supply water to fulfil the demand of residents in half of the areas of the capital city of Bangladesh. Dhaka WASA's 2018-19 year's annual report shows that the daily water demand of Dhaka city is about 2.45 billion litres and 78% of this demand is met by groundwater extraction. Besides these, thousands of private deep tube wells are used in the city to extract water from the underground aquifers. Then surface water sources like rivers and lakes are used to fulfil the remaining 22% demand of water. Read more: Top Strategies to Enhance Fire Resilience in Dhaka City Most of The rivers and water bodies in and around the capital city including Turag, Dhaleswari, Buriganga, Tongi Khal, Balu, Shitalakshya, Bangshi River, etc are highly polluted by waste materials disposed of industrial as well as municipal sources. This situation aggravates during the dry seasons. At present, Dhaka WASA has four plants for treating water. But the amount of treated water is quite insufficient compared with the total demand of water. The long-term dependency on the underground aquifers has taken a toll on the city's groundwater table. According to 2030 Water Resources Group, Dhaka's groundwater table is declining at a rate of 3 metres every year. If the demand for water increases at the present rate, which is likely, then the projected yearly depletion rate of groundwater reserves can reach up to 5.1 metres by 2030. Currently, the average depth of Dhaka's groundwater table is about 78 metres, which may sink down to 132 metres in the next 10 to 12 years. Without appropriate preventive measures, the groundwater table may plunge to 100 to 150 metres by the year of 2050. Read more: What Can Dhaka Learn from the Smart City Singapore Multifarious Effects of Water Crisis The depletion of underground water levels can affect the residential, commercial and industrial zones of Dhaka city. The unregulated use of groundwater, may lead to severe shortfall in the supply of drinking water from underground aquifers.

Over 2 lakh residents of salinity-hit Khulna’s Dacop upazila have been grappling with a severe shortage of safe drinking water since the onset of the dry season.  Long queues have become a common sight at shops selling purified open water, while some people are resorting to collecting water from distant sources.  The dire situation has forced some residents to consume water from ditches and drains, leading to an outbreak of various waterborne diseases, including diarrhoea. Also Read: Many embankments turn vulnerable in Khulna’s Koyra; Fear grips residents Dakop, which borders the Sundarbans, consists of three separate islands. Due to the high salinity levels in the surrounding rivers, the region experiences an extreme scarcity of fresh water during the dry season, said locals.  This year, as in previous years, the municipality and nine unions are grappling with an acute shortage of safe drinking water. Visiting different areas in the upazila, the UNB correspondent found the scarcity of clean water has even affected the functioning of tea shops, restaurants, and sweet shops, frustrating shopkeepers who are unable to provide clean water to their customers.  Also Read: Walking the extra mile for water in coastal Khulna The agricultural sector has also been severely affected , particularly in the current ‘Robi’ season when Boro paddy and watermelon farmers experiencing substantial losses due to the inability to irrigate their fields. Most of the shallow tube wells have been lying inoperative and many tubewells contain salt, arsenic, and excessive iron content, exacerbating the water quality issues, said locals.  Furthermore, the region experiences insufficient rainfall, further limiting water availability.  Read more: Short Films on Water: Dhaka DocLab, British Council to screen four climate documentaries Consequently, filtering water from ponds has become the only viable option for the locals. However, the scarcity of water in the inadequate ponds renders most filters or pond sand filters (PSFs) ineffective. Wealthy individuals in the Batiaghata area of Khulna are able to purchase water from different locations, while middle-class and low-income residents are left with no choice but to consume water directly from the pond.  Consequently, the scarcity of clean drinking water has compelled this large population to rely on unhealthy food and water, resulting in a surge of waterborne diseases, including diarrhoea. Read more: Coca-Cola Foundation, WaterAid working to enhance water security in Bangladesh Nimai Mandal, a UP member from Ward No. 9 in the Kalabagi area, along with many others, explained that they have to endure great difficulties in collecting fresh water from the neighboring Kailashganj area, a journey of approximately 4 to 5 kilometers by boat.  Meanwhile, those who have the means and resources, purchase water from outside the region.  Nimai Mandal highlighted that some vulnerable individuals in the area resort to directly consuming impure water from the pond. Samaresh Mandal, a hotelier in Chalan Bazar, expressed his predicament, saying, “Due to the water shortage, I am unable to provide water to customers. As the water from the pond is unhealthy for consumption, we are forced to use it for washing plates."  Read more: Water crisis hits Boro cultivation in Feni ‘s Sonagazi Similar concerns were echoed by Milan Mallick, a tea shop owner. In response to the crisis, Mehdi Hasan Bulbul, Panel Mayor of the Chalan Municipality, said that a water purification plant has been completed in the municipality under a water project aimed at resolving the drinking water crisis.  Additionally, house-to-house pipeline works are underway in various areas of the municipality. Bulbul thinks that once these projects are completed, the shortage of fresh water in the municipality area will be significantly alleviated. Abdullah Al Mahmud, Sub-Assistant Public Health Engineer of Dakop Upazila, said there are ongoing projects. Read more: Dhaka calls for enhanced int'l financing for sustainable water management However, he also said that these efforts are inadequate against the region's requirements. To meet the growing demand for water, the engineer suggested individually and institutionally digging ponds and ‘dighis’ during the critical period.  Expanding the number of rainwater harvesting tanks and ponds in the region is deemed essential to mitigate the water crisis, he added.   Munsur Ali Khan, Chairman of Dakop Upazila Parishad, said the Upazila Parishad has initiated a project to distribute water tanks among underprivileged families.  Measures are being taken to excavate ponds and canals as alternative water sources, he said.  Read more: How to Build Dhaka as a Water Wise City

Short films on Water - a film screening depicting adverse consequences of climate change will be showcased at the British Council premises on Saturday. The short films were produced under the project ‘Bangladesh Cymru Climate Stories’ by Dhaka DocLab and Wales One World Film Festival from the United Kingdom with support from the British Council. The films explore the experience of coastal communities and river dwellers against the backdrop of climate breakdown. The four films are- Doprujhiri by Asma Bethee and Latika by Samsul Islam Shopoon from Bangladesh; Our Home, the Sea by Mared Rees and She Sells Shellfish by Lily Tiger Tonkin from Wales, UK. Planning Minister M. A. Mannan will be joining the event as the chief guest that will begin at 5pm. Dr.Farhina Ahmed, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Tom Miscioscia, Country Director, British Council Bangladesh will be present as special guests. The screening is open for all and be followed by a conversation with the directors, producers , and characters of the four documentaries along with a question-and-answer session, said a media release on Wednesday. The film screening event is a part of the British Council's observation of the World Environment Day on 5 June, which encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment. The Bangladesh-Cymru Climate Stories film project was created in collaboration between Dhaka DocLab and Wales One World Film Festival. Four filmmakers received financial and technical support from Dhaka DocLab and Wales One World Film Festival to complete their short films, which focus on climate change stories connected to women to create awareness among people. The project is funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Programme, which was introduced to support cultural partnerships in the UK and overseas and inspire independent artists to continue creative pursuits. So far, 94 projects from 41 countries have been completed with grant support from the British Council.  

Water is the most crucial element for life. It brings life to earth. A person can survive around three weeks without food, but can last hardly for three days without drinking water. Usually humans depend on water collected from natural sources or supplied by water management authorities through pipelines.  Besides, there are many types of bottled water available originating from unique sources like aquifers, rainwater, icebergs, glaciers, various natural springs, etc. Depending on various factors water can be expensive.  However, expensive water has been a buzzing word for years. Some water bottle brands serve bottled water as a luxury good promising special, unique and exotic experiences. Let’s find out the 10 priciest Water bottle brands in the world in 2023.  10 Most Expensive Water Brands in the World Beverly Hills 90H2O (Diamond Edition) Water brand Beverly Hills 90H2O is located in California, United States. This water is collected from natural springs originating from the mountains of California. Consumers can pre-order this water from the Beverly Hills Drink Company’s website.  Their luxury collection Diamond edition is the most expensive water bottle in the world. Each bottle is equipped with a cap made of white gold, embellished with over 600 white diamonds and more than 250 black diamonds, with a total weight of 14 carats, crafted by a well-known jeweler from Beverly Hills. Half a liter of Beverly Hills 90H2O diamond edition water costs around US$100000, which is equivalent to around 1 crore 5 lakhs and 53 thousands in BDT. Read More: Top 10 Most Expensive Coffees in the World Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani is one of the most luxurious bottled water brands in the world from Italy. 750ml of this water may cost you $60,000 that is around 63 lakhs BDT in Bangladesh. 

In Bangladesh, we may expect that whatever comes out of the tap will be drinkable. The data, however, suggests a very grim reality. Bangladesh scored 26.90 out of 100 in the 2022 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), meaning the local tap water is one of the most dangerous in the world. Bangladesh ranked fifth in terms of access to safe drinking water in South Asia and 128th overall. In South Asia, Bangladesh is only ahead of Nepal (25.90), India (18.30), and Pakistan (15.30). Read More: On India’s shore, rising salinity means daily water struggle Meanwhile, Sri Lanka ranked first in the region with a score of 46.70, followed by the Maldives (41.2), Bhutan (31.5), and Afghanistan (27.80). The Yale University’s EPI index looks at the quality of drinking water in 180 countries around the world based on the number of age-standardized disability-adjusted life-years lost per 100,000 persons (DALY rate) due to exposure to unsafe drinking water. All of the countries on the list are ranked by a score from 0 to 100, with a score of 100 indicating very safe drinking water and a score of 0 indicating the most unsafe. QS Supplies, one of the UK's largest independent bathroom wholesalers and retailers, has used EPI and CDC data to create a new set of data visualizations to illustrate the severity of the situation and to flag the countries where it is and is not safe to consume the tap water. Read More: Dhaka for enhanced international cooperation for advancing Water Action Agenda   The data from the CDC suggests that the water coming out of the tap in Bangladesh is “not safe to drink.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than a quarter of the world's population lives in water-stressed countries, and a similar number uses a drinking water source contaminated with feces. These conditions cause diarrheal diseases including cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio to spread through drinking water each year. Common chemical contaminants include lead, mercury, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics. Read More: Momen for sustainable water management for promoting global peace, stability While the large cluster of 100-rated nations in the centre of the data visualization consists entirely of European nations, the 24 countries with the lowest rating are all in Africa. Among the 180 countries, there are only 50 that the CDC lists as having drinkable tap water. The US disease control agency discourages drinking tap water in much of Asia and Latin America and in every country in Africa. According to the CDC's safety advisory on tap water, no country in South Asia has access to drinkable tap water. Read more: How to Build Dhaka as a Water Wise City

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said water is the lifeblood of the world and climate change is wreaking havoc on water’s natural cycle. He said from health and nutrition, to education and infrastructure, water is vital to every aspect of human survival and wellbeing, and the economic development and prosperity of every nation. "We don’t have a moment to lose. Let’s make 2023 a year of transformation and investment for humanity’s lifeblood. Let’s take action to protect, sustainably manage and ensure equitable access to water for all," said the UN chief in a message marking World Water Day today. "But drop by drop, this precious lifeblood is being poisoned by pollution and drained by vampiric overuse, with water demand expected to exceed supply by 40 percent by decade’s end," Guterres said. Also Read: 26% of the world have no access to clean drinking water: UN He said greenhouse gas pollution continues to rise to all-time record levels, heating the world’s climate to dangerous levels. "This is worsening water-related disasters, disease outbreaks, water shortages and droughts, while inflicting damage to infrastructure, food production, and supply chains," Guterres said. The theme of this year’s World Water Day reminds all of the cost of these failures on the billions of people who lack access to safe water and sanitation. Out of every 100 people on earth, 25 fetch all their water from open streams and ponds — or pay high prices to buy water of dubious safety. Twenty-two relieve themselves outdoors or use dirty, dangerous or broken latrines. And 44 see their wastewater flow back into nature untreated, with disastrous health and environmental consequences. "In short, our world is dramatically — and dangerously — off-track to reaching our goal of safely managed water and sanitation for all by 2030," Guterres said. This year’s World Water Day reminds all of their individual and collective roles to protect and sustainably use and manage humanity’s lifeblood for present and future generations, he said. The United Nations Water Conference, which kicks off today (March 22), is a critical moment for national governments, local and regional authorities, businesses, scientists, youth, civil society organizations and communities to join forces, and co-design and invest in solutions to achieve clean water and sanitation for all, said the UN Secretary-General. Meanwhile, he said, governments, businesses and investors must take much bolder actions to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees, with the G20 leading the way. "We must break our addiction to fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy, while supporting developing countries every step of the way," said the UN chief.    

A new report launched Tuesday on the eve of the first major U.N. conference on water in over 45 years says 26% of the world’s population doesn’t have access to safe drinking water and 46% lack access to basic sanitation. The U.N. World Water Development Report 2023 painted a stark picture of the huge gap that needs to be filled to meet U.N. goals to ensure all people have access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. Richard Connor, editor-in-chief of the report, told a news conference that the estimated cost of meeting the goals is somewhere between $600 billion and $1 trillion a year. But equally important, Connor said, is forging partnerships with investors, financiers, governments and climate change communities to ensure that money is invested in ways to sustain the environment and provide potable water to the 2 billion people who don’t have it and sanitation to the 3.6 million in need. Also Read: UN Experts: Water is a common good not a commodity According to the report, water use has been increasing globally by roughly 1% per year over the last 40 years “and is expected to grow at a similar rate through to 2050, driven by a combination of population growth, socio-economic development and changing consumption patterns.” Connor said that actual increase in demand is happening in developing countries and emerging economies where it is driven by industrial growth and especially the rapid increase in the population of cities. It is in these urban areas “that you’re having a real big increase in demand,” he said. With agriculture using 70% of all water globally, Connor said, irrigation for crops has to be more efficient — as it is in some countries that now use drip irrigation, which saves water. “That allows water to be available to cities,” he said. Also Read: Millions lack safe water months after Pakistan floods As a result of climate change, the report said, “seasonal water scarcity will increase in regions where it is currently abundant — such as Central Africa, East Asia and parts of South America — and worsen in regions where water is already in short supply, such as the Middle East and the Sahara in Africa.” On average, “10% of the global population lives in countries with high or critical water stress” — and up to 3.5 billion people live under conditions of water stress at least one month a year, said the report issued by UNESCO, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Since 2000, floods in the tropics have quadrupled while floods in the north mid-latitudes have increased 2.5-fold, the report said. Trends in droughts are more difficult to establish, it said, “although an increase in intensity or frequency of droughts and 'heat extremes’ can be expected in most regions as a direct result of climate change.” As for water pollution, Connor said, the biggest source of pollution is untreated wastewater. “Globally, 80 percent of wastewater is released to the environment without any treatment,” he said, “and in many developing countries it’s pretty much 99%.” These and other issues including protecting aquatic ecosystems, improving management of water resources, increasing water reuse and promoting cooperation across borders on water use will be discussed during the three-day U.N. Water Conference co-chaired by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon opening Wednesday morning. There are 171 countries, including over 100 ministers, on the speakers list along with more than 20 organizations. The meeting will also include five “interactive dialogues” and dozens of side events.