The share of the global population with improved access to drinking water sources has increased over the last three decades. Just 76 percent of the world's population had access to improved drinking water sources in 1990. By 2020 this had increased to approximately 94 percent.
Proportion of the population with access to drinking water sources worldwide from 1990 to 2020, based on quality of water source*
Figures were compiled from several editions of the report. According to the source, improved drinking water sources are those that are protected from outside contamination, particularly faecal matter. However, some of these sources may not be adequately maintained and therefore may not actually provide “safe” drinking water. Thus, the number of people using such sources may have been over-estimated.
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UNICEF, & WHO. (July 1, 2021). Proportion of the population with access to drinking water sources worldwide from 1990 to 2020, based on quality of water source* [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 23, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/278656/quality-of-the-global-drinking-water-supply/
UNICEF, und WHO. "Proportion of the population with access to drinking water sources worldwide from 1990 to 2020, based on quality of water source*." Chart. July 1, 2021. Statista. Accessed May 23, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/278656/quality-of-the-global-drinking-water-supply/
UNICEF, WHO. (2021). Proportion of the population with access to drinking water sources worldwide from 1990 to 2020, based on quality of water source*. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 23, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/278656/quality-of-the-global-drinking-water-supply/
UNICEF, and WHO. "Proportion of The Population with Access to Drinking Water Sources Worldwide from 1990 to 2020, Based on Quality of Water Source*." Statista, Statista Inc., 1 Jul 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/278656/quality-of-the-global-drinking-water-supply/
UNICEF & WHO, Proportion of the population with access to drinking water sources worldwide from 1990 to 2020, based on quality of water source* Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/278656/quality-of-the-global-drinking-water-supply/ (last visited May 23, 2022)
