Sustainable Water Solutions: How the World Bank’s WRG is Tackling Pollution and Reuse

Water pollution is a pressing global issue, causing millions of deaths and economic losses annually. The 2030 Water Resources Group (WRG), under the World Bank, is tackling this challenge through public-private partnerships (PPPs), policy reforms, and financial incentives to promote wastewater treatment and reuse. Case studies like Bangladesh’s Delta Plan 2100 highlight how innovative funding models are bridging the water supply gap. With successful initiatives in India, Peru, and Mongolia, WRG is setting a global precedent for sustainable water management.

Water pollution is a silent crisis, responsible for 1.8 million deaths each year and costing businesses a staggering $425 billion. As industries and urban centers expand, the pressure on freshwater resources continues to grow. The 2030 Water Resources Group (WRG), a trust fund housed within the World Bank, is taking decisive action. Through targeted policy reforms, public-private partnerships, and financial incentives, WRG is championing innovative water reuse solutions that are both sustainable and economically viable.

For decades, wastewater has been considered a liability, but WRG is working to change that perception. By promoting wastewater treatment and reuse, the organization is demonstrating that this resource holds untapped economic and environmental potential. Collaborating with businesses and governments, WRG is facilitating the development of wastewater treatment infrastructure to ensure clean water remains accessible while minimizing industrial and municipal waste. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) play a key role in this transformation, bringing private sector expertise, funding, and technology to enhance wastewater management. Regulatory advancements further support these efforts, helping governments implement policies that promote safe and effective water reuse. Additionally, initiatives focused on ecosystem restoration are cleaning polluted rivers, improving local water quality, and fostering long-term environmental sustainability.

Bangladesh is among the countries facing a severe water crisis, with a projected $6.6 billion funding gap for pollution management by 2040. To address this, WRG is actively supporting the country’s Delta Plan 2100, aiming to mobilize $550 million in financing. This initiative seeks to expand wastewater services to 3.5 million people, treat over 25 million cubic meters of wastewater through centralized effluent and sewage treatment plants, and develop Bangladesh’s first replicable PPP model for municipal wastewater management. These efforts not only protect public health but also help industries transition to sustainable water usage while ensuring long-term water security.

Water security is a pressing global issue, and WRG’s Scaling Water Reuse Initiative offers practical steps for governments and businesses to adopt sustainable water practices. The initiative focuses on strengthening water resilience in cities and industries, reducing pollution and carbon emissions linked to water mismanagement, and establishing financial models that make large-scale water reuse projects feasible.

WRG’s impact is evident in several pioneering projects worldwide. In India, the first PPP-led wastewater treatment and reuse initiatives have been introduced in the Ganga Basin. In Peru, WRG launched the first corporate water footprint certification program. Mongolia has implemented a new water pollution fee law under the "polluter pays" principle and established the country’s first voluntary code of practice for sustainable mine water management. On a global scale, WRG has also developed tradable wastewater reuse certificates, creating incentives for industries to conserve and reuse water.

The findings in the Water for Planet: Helping Countries and Companies Reuse Water and Reduce Pollution report by the World Bank’s 2030 Water Resources Group emphasize that water reuse is not just a necessity—it is an opportunity. As urbanization and climate challenges continue to intensify, WRG’s innovative models provide a blueprint for addressing water shortages while supporting economic resilience. By prioritizing sustainability, investing in smart water management, and fostering collaborative solutions, countries and businesses can ensure a water-secure future for generations to come.