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Sharp rise in aid to water supply and sanitation
		Aid to water and sanitation has sharply risen since 2001, at an average annual rate of 5% in real terms.  In 2009-10, total annual average aid commitments to water and sanitation amounted to USD 8.3 billion, representing 7% of total sector allocable aid. Aid to water and sanitation targeted regions most in need of better access to water and sanitation:  Sub-Saharan Africa received 26% of total aid to the sector, and South and Central Asia 21%.
» Click here to access the dynamic chart » Download: Financing water and sanitation in developing countries: the contribution of external aid (pdf, produced for the 6th World Water Forum, March 2012)   New features in DAC statistics on aid for water supply and sanitation, starting with 2010 flows:  it is now possible to identify aid for sanitation (13% of the total) separately from water supply; the data distinguish between various modalities of aid for water supply and sanitation: projects (76%), sector budget support and pooled funding (16%) and technical assistance (7%).

Definition:  The DAC defines aid to water supply and sanitation as including water resources policy, planning and programmes, water legislation and management, water resources development, water resources protection, water supply and use, sanitation (including solid waste management) and education and training in water supply and sanitation.

The classification was revised to distinguish between aid for water and aid for sanitation starting with 2010 flows. See the "Guidance for use of water supply and sanitation purpose codes".

Other available studies:

• Financing water and sanitation in developing countries: the contribution of external aid, June 2010
• Measuring Aid to Water Supply and Sanitation, statistics on aid to the water sector, February 2009
• DAC members' imputed multilateral contributions in the Water Supply and Sanitation sector: Secretariat estimations (updated January 2012) and methodology

Previous documentation on this topic:

- Donor Profiles on Aid to Water Supply and Sanitation, OECD in collaboration with the World Water Council, December 2008

- CRS Aid Activities in Support of Water Supply and Sanitation, 2001-2006

- Study in November 2007

- 4th World Water Forum -  Mexico, March 2006

- Stockholm World Water Week, August 2004

Data:

To obtain statistics on aid to water, connect to International Development Statistics (IDS) online or click on the followings links:

• Aid to water and sanitation and other water-related sectors by sub-sector (includes dams and reservoirs primarily for irrigation and hydropower and activities related to river transport, classed under aid to agriculture, energy and transport respectively), Commitments 2005-10
• Aid to water and sanitation by donor, Commitments 2005-10
• Aid to water and sanitation by recipient, Commitments 2005-10

For more information on OECD work on Water:

www.oecd.org/water