Water Resources Management

Why it Matters

Water is a vital resource not just for humans, but also for a variety of aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands, watersheds, rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas. These critical habitats supply surrounding communities with a variety of valuable goods and services by moderating floods and droughts; naturally filtering water-borne contaminants; sustaining woodlands and living creatures; and forming the foundation of dry land, coastal, and aquatic food chains. However, the misuse and over-exploitation of water resources is accelerating their degradation, threatening humans and the natural resources we depend on for both livelihoods and survival.

Our Approach

Through investments that promote sustainable and long-term management of polluted, scarce, or variable freshwater supplies, USAID will assist partner countries to better cope with rising pressures on freshwater resources. USAID will focus on water-stressed basins that are the source of important drinking water supplies, by engaging with stakeholders to develop robust water allocation plans that secure the availability of water for households, improve the storage and quality of water through sustainably managed watersheds, and promote adaptive innovations to build resilience and reduce water-related risk for vulnerable households and communities.