The Water Poverty Index

Millions of people throughout the world do not have enough water to sustain their livelihoods — so they have reduced capacity to lift themselves out of poverty. The relationship between poverty and water is complex, but water is such a valuable resource that it must be managed responsibly, to ensure long-term sustainability for future generations.

The Water Poverty Index (WPI) captures the characteristics that link water and poverty. It has been developed in consultation with water researchers, practitioners and stakeholders. This international multi-disciplinary team has identified key issues that provide the framework for a holistic composite indicator, combining data from the physical and social sciences.

The WPI framework can be applied at all levels. Communities can assess their own WPI values, and make comparisons. A training package will ensure appropriate in-country capacity so that this can be achieved.

Download more information here (right-click and Save):

A poster (in pdf format)

A leaflet (4 pages A4, pdf), or the same leaflet as 2 pages on A3 landscape (pdf)

A Water Poverty Index map (pdf)

A summary of a paper submitted to Water Development, and a copy of the published paper on Calculating a Water Poverty Index