A significant portion of the world’s drinking water supply is lost before reaching consumers due to outdated and deteriorating infrastructure. The Coca‑Cola Foundation is working with partners to address this problem.
Estimates indicate that about one-third of global water supplies do not make it to the tap, largely because of leaky pipes, inaccurate metering, and theft through illegal connections. According to a 2018 study, the amount of water lost could provide more than 2 billion people with 100 liters of water daily. The financial impact is also considerable, with inefficiencies in water systems believed to cost $39 billion annually. Despite these challenges, many water utilities face difficulties in securing the necessary funding for repairs or upgrades, making private investment an important part of potential solutions.
The Coca‑Cola Foundation supports The Coca‑Cola Company’s objective to return water to nature and communities. Since 2015, with backing from the Foundation, the company has replenished more than 100% of the water used in its finished beverages through efforts involving both its own operations and those of independent bottling partners.
Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca‑Cola Foundation, stated: “For 20 years, the Foundation has funded global initiatives that provide sustainable access to safe water in vulnerable, water-stressed communities. The pressing issue of water loss requires collective action. We take pride in supporting partners and advancing innovative solutions and programs for water utilities that are often deemed too risky for traditional private donors and investors.”
Pagoaga also highlighted the urgency: “Water loss is a critical and overlooked issue in our communities. The demand for water globally may increase by up to 30% in the next 25 years, so now is the time for large-scale collaboration to drive lasting, systemic change.”
Research from organizations such as WHO & UNICEF suggests that addressing nonrevenue water—water lost before it reaches end users—could have significant social benefits worldwide.
