With billions of pounds of garbage polluting our oceans and millions dying from water pollution-related illnesses each year, it is clear that action needs to be taken.

We gathered water pollution statistics from over 30 different sources. It includes facts from Europe, South Asia, East Asia & the Pacific, Africa, South America, and North America. It also covers facts about water pollution contaminants, industrial waste, and the effects of pollution on children and ocean life,

Global Water Pollution

  1. Annually, over 6 billion pounds of mostly plastic garbage pollute oceans (Howell, 2020)
  2. Only 1% of Earth’s water is suitable for human consumption, while 5-10 million people die annually from polluted water-related illnesses. (Achwal, 2018)
  3. Domestic sewage accounts for nearly 80% of total water pollution (Howell, 2020)
  4. Each day, around two million tons of human waste enter water sources. (Nunez, 2010)
  5. In 2020, 74% of the entire human population had access to safely managed drinking water services, while 2 billion people lacked such services. (WHO, 2022)
  6. Over half the global population lack safely managed sanitation services (Our World in Data & Roser, 2021)
  7. Unsafe contaminated water sources account for 6% of deaths in low-income developing countries (Our World in Data & Roser, 2021)
  8. Globally, at least 2 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with feces. (WHO, 2022)
  9. In 2020, 74% (5.8 billion people) used a safely managed drinking-water service. (WHO, 2022)
  10. In 2020, 2 billion people lacked safely managed water services, including 1.2 billion with basic services, 282 million with limited services, 368 million taking water from unprotected sources, and 122 million collecting untreated surface water. (WHO, 2022)

Europe Water Pollution

  1. Iceland had the cleanest water in Europe in 2021, with a score of 86 out of 100, while Bulgaria had the lowest score at 36 out of 100. (Statistita, 2023)
  2. Croatia had the highest renewable freshwater resources per inhabitant in the EU at 29,200 m³, while Malta had the lowest at 88 m³. (European Commission, 2022)
  3. Germany produced the most sewage toxic sludge in the EU in 2019 at 2.2 million tonnes, with France and Italy following behind. (European Commission, 2022)
  4. Around half of Europe’s groundwater bodies have good chemical status, and only around 40% of surface waters achieve good ecological status or potential. (European Commission, 2022)
  5. The manufacturing industry’s freshwater use in the EU ranged from 186 m³ per inhabitant in the Netherlands to 4 m³ per inhabitant in Cyprus. (European Commission, 2022)

South Asia Water Pollution

  1. In South Asia, access to improved water has increased from 73% to 93% since 1990, but over 134 million people still only have access to unsafe drinking water (UNICEF, 2022)
  2. Between 68% to 84% of water sources in South Asia are estimated to be contaminated. (UNICEF, 2022)
  3. Over 600 million open-defecators live in South Asia, most of the world’s open-defecation population. (UNICEF, 2022)
  4. The proportion of people practicing open defecation in South Asia fell from 65% to 34%, as India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan achieved a reduction of more than 30%. (UNICEF, 2022)
  5. Despite progress, 610 million people in South Asia still practice open defecation, accounting for over 60% of the global burden (UNICEF, 2022)
  6. An estimated 68% to 84% of water sources in South Asia are contaminated. (UNICEF, 2022)

East Asia & Pacific Water Pollution

  1. The East Asia and Pacific region produces a staggering 11.7 million tons of plastic waste yearly, making it a hotspot for plastic pollution. (World Bank, 2023)
  2. Despite rapid regional improvements, nearly 910 million people still lack safe sanitation services, and an estimated 116 million lack basic drinking water services.(UNICEF East Asia & Pacific, 2023)
  3. In East Asia and the Pacific, 1 out of 4 people still practice open defecation, posing severe health risks, especially for children under five. (UNICEF East Asia & Pacific, 2023)
  4. Only 42% of East Asia and Pacific schools have basic sanitation services, affecting children’s learning outcomes and well-being. (UNICEF East Asia & Pacific, 2023)
  5. In East Asia and the Pacific, only 35% of healthcare facilities have basic water services, compromising the quality of care and increasing the risk of infections. (UNICEF East Asia & Pacific, 2023)

Africa Water Pollution

  1. In sub-Saharan Africa, 66% of land is arid or semi-arid, and over 300 million people experience water scarcity. (UN.org, 2015)
  2. Every hour, 115 people in Africa die due to diseases from poor sanitation, hygiene, and contaminated water. (UN.org, 2015)

South America Water Pollution

  1. Brazil has the highest renewable freshwater resources per capita in South America, with 29,200 m³ per person in 2017 (World Bank Water Data, 2023)
  2. Peru recorded the lowest renewable freshwater resources per capita in South America, with 1,800 m³ per person in 2017. (World Bank Water Data, 2023)
  3. Colombia had the highest percentage of its population using safely managed drinking water services in South America, with 93% in 2017. (World Bank Water Data, 2023)
  4. Bolivia reported the lowest percentage of population using safely managed drinking water services in South America, with 27% in 2017. (World Bank Water Data, 2023)
  5. Unsafe water is responsible for an estimated 9,700 deaths annually in South America. (Our World in Data & Roser, 2021)
  6. In South America’s low- and middle-income countries, unsafe water accounts for 2% of deaths. (Our World in Data & Roser, 2021)
  7. Around 19% of people in South America need access to an improved water source, meaning that approximately 120 million people need access to an improved water source in the region. (Our World in Data & Roser, 2021)

North America Water Pollution

  1. Canada had North America’s highest renewable freshwater resources per capita, with 82,300 m³ per person in 2017. (World Bank Water Data, 2023)
  2. Mexico recorded North America’s lowest renewable freshwater resources per capita, with 3,600 m³ per person in 2017. (World Bank Water Data, 2023)
  3. The United States had the highest percentage of population using safely managed drinking water services in North America, with 99% in 2017. (World Bank Water Data, 2023)
  4. Mexico reported the lowest percentage of population using safely managed drinking water services in North America, with 74% in 2017. (World Bank Water Data, 2023)
  5. Unsafe water causes an estimated 1,300 deaths per year in the United States. (US EPA, 2022)
  6. In high-income countries in North America, unsafe water accounts for less than 1% of deaths. (US EPA, 2022)
  7. Around 3% of people in North America lack access to an improved water source, meaning that approximately 20 million people lack access to an improved water source in the region. (Our World in Data & Roser, 2021)

China Water Pollution

  1. China is the top-ranked country for mismanaged waste and plastics, while the US is in the top 20 for significant waste per person contributions. (Condor Ferries, 2021)
  2. 40% of China’s water supply is polluted to unsafe drinking levels, and 50% of China’s population depends on this contaminated water for survival. (GlobeWater.org, 2018)
  3. 90% of underground water in China is contaminated with harmful quantities of arsenic, fluorine, and sulfates. (Kidadl, 2021)
  4. Every day, an estimated 980 million of China’s 1.3 billion citizens consume somewhat polluted water. (Kidadl, 2021)
  5. Only about 6% of surface water in China was classified as grade I (the highest quality) in September 2022, while about 28% was classified as grade V or worse (the lowest quality). (Textor & Statistia, 2022)

Water Pollution Common Contaminants

  1. PFAS, used in everyday items for resistance to moisture, heat, and stains, are more common in tap water than previously thought. (Nunez, 2010)
  2. At least 2 billion people worldwide use drinking water sources contaminated with feces, causing diseases and around 485,000 diarrheal deaths annually. (WHO, 2022)
  3. Microbiologically contaminated drinking water can transmit coliform bacteria and diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio and is estimated to cause 485 000 diarrhoeal deaths yearly. (WHO, 2022)

Water Pollution & Children

  1. Early exposure of children to nitrates can impact their health and adult earning potential, reducing future adult earnings by up to 2% compared to those not exposed. (World Bank, 2019)
  2. Mercury-contaminated fish consumption during pregnancy can damage a developing child’s brain, leading to IQ loss and behavior problems. (Avakian & National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 2021)
  3. Contemporary environmental crises like climate change, soil and water pollution, and biodiversity loss contribute to 26% of annual deaths for children aged five and under (Prashad & Humanium, 2020)
  4. In Brazil, more than three million children under five years old die yearly from diseases caused by polluted water. (Prashad & Humanium, 2020)

Water Pollution & Ocean and Aquatic Life

  1. Plastic waste alone kills 100 million marine animals yearly and 100,000 more become entangled in plastic debris. (Condor Ferries, 2021)
  2. 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic waste, including 269,000 tons of floating debris and 4 billion microfibers per km², are estimated to be in the ocean. (Condor Ferries, 2021)
  3. Marine debris is a persistent pollution problem in the ocean and Great Lakes, impacting almost 1,000 marine animal species and creating over 500 dead zones where aquatic life cannot exist. (NOAA.gov, 2020)
  4. Over 6 billion pounds of garbage, mostly plastic, enter the ocean annually. (Howell, 2020)
  5. Domestic sewage accounts for almost 80% of total water pollution. (Howell, 2020)
  6. Urban sewage contributes almost 30 billion tons of pollution that enters our water sources. (Howell, 2020)
  7. More than 1.5 billion disposable face masks will pollute the world’s oceans this year, endangering marine wildlife with tons of plastic. (Golding, 2020)
  8. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is twice the size of Texas and contains more trash than sea life, is the largest trash site on the planet. (Condor Ferries, 2021)
  9. There are an estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic waste in the ocean, with 269,000 tons floating and 4 billion microfibers per km² below the surface. (Condor Ferries, 2021)
  10. 70% of debris sinks into the ocean’s ecosystem, 15% floats, and 15% lands on beaches. (Condor Ferries, 2021)

Industrial Waste & Water Pollution

  1. In 2021, only 30% of industrial wastewater flow was treated in 14 countries, representing 4% of the global population. (UN Water, 2021)
  2. Every day, approximately 2 million tons of untreated sewage and industrial waste are released into water bodies, which is equivalent to the weight of the entire human population of 6.8 billion people. (Okafor & Duran, 2020)
  3. Each year, an estimated 14 billion pounds of plastic are dumped into the ocean, and after treatment, 80% of wastewater contaminates groundwater. (GlobeWater.org, 2018)

References

Achwal, A. (2018). Water Pollution Information and Facts for Kids. Planning, Pregnancy & Parenting Advice and Tips. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/water-pollution-information-and-facts-for-kids/

Avakian, M., & National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2021, February 22). New Study Finds Ocean Pollution a Threat to Human Health. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/programs/geh/geh_newsletter/2021/2/articles/new_study_finds_ocean_pollution_a_threat_to_human_health.cfm

Condor Ferries. (2021). 100+ Ocean Pollution Statistics & Facts (2020-2021). Condor Ferries. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.condorferries.co.uk/marine-ocean-pollution-statistics-facts

European Commission. (2022, November 18). Water statistics – Statistics Explained. European Commission. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Water_statistics

European Environment Agency. (2023). Water use and environmental pressures — European Environment Agency. European Environment Agency. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/water/european-waters/water-use-and-environmental-pressures

GlobeWater.org. (2018, October 22). Water Polution Statistics 2022-2021 and 2019-2018 – Ocean Polution Facts. GlobeWater.org. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.globewater.org/facts/water-pollution-statistics/

Golding, B. (2020, December 28). More than 1.5 billion face masks will pollute oceans this year, report says. New York Post. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://nypost.com/2020/12/28/more-than-1-5b-masks-will-pollute-oceans-this-year-report/

Howell, N. (2020, June 6). Interesting Facts about Water Pollution. Earth and Human. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://earthandhuman.org/interesting-facts-about-water-pollution/

Howell, N. (2020, June 6). Interesting Facts about Water Pollution. Earth and Human. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://earthandhuman.org/interesting-facts-about-water-pollution/

Kidadl. (2021). 15 China Water Pollution Facts That Show Water Quality As A Concern! Kidadl. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://kidadl.com/facts/china-water-pollution-facts-that-show-water-quality-as-a-concern

NOAA.gov. (2020, April 1). Ocean pollution and marine debris | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts/ocean-pollution

Nunez, C. (2010, March 16). Water pollution facts and information. National Geographic. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/freshwater-pollution

Okafor, J., & Duran, M. (2020, August 13). 40 Water Pollution Facts & Statistics – Environment. TRVST. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.trvst.world/environment/water-pollution-facts-statistics/

Our World in Data & Roser, M. (2021). Clean Water. Our World in Data. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://ourworldindata.org/water-access

Prashad, J., & Humanium. (2020, July 28). Latin America’s Water Pollution Crisis and its Effects on Children’s Health. Humanium. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.humanium.org/en/latin-americas-water-pollution-crisis-and-its-effects-on-childrens-health/

Statistita. (2023, February 6). Europe: clean waters score by country 2021. Statista. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1203428/clean-water-index-europe-by-select-country/

Textor, C., & Statistia. (2022, December 9). Environmental quality in China – statistics & facts. Statista. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.statista.com/topics/2028/environment-in-china/

UNICEF. (2022). Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). UNICEF. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.unicef.org/rosa/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash

UNICEF East Asia & Pacific. (2023). Water, sanitation and hygiene. UNICEF. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.unicef.org/eap/what-we-do/wash

UN.org. (2015). Africa | International Decade for Action ‘Water for Life’ 2005-2015. the United Nations. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/africa.shtml

UN Water. (2021). Home. UN Water. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://www.unwater.org/publications/progress-wastewater-treatment-2021-update/

US EPA. (2022, May 11). Statistics and Facts | US EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts

WHO. (2022, March 21). Drinking-water. World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water

World Bank. (2019, August 20). Worsening Water Quality Reducing Economic Growth by a Third in Some Countries. World Bank. Retrieved April 12, 2023, from https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2019/08/20/worsening-water-quality-reducing-economic-growth-by-a-third-in-some-countries

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Victoria Cooper

Victoria graduated from the University of Manchester with a BSc in Environmental Science. She moved to the U.S. in 2017 and works as a freelance writer. She loves writing about water treatment and filtration, home improvement, and recycling.