Liquid Dynamics

Briefing
  • Published 25/06/07

Globally, billions lack access to safe water and sanitation. Despite widespread recognition that the situation is unacceptable, the tragedy of this failure persists. Increasingly, the development world is realising that a long series of pronouncements, declarations of principles and global conferences are as much a part of the problem as the solution: they aid in the persistence of myths, prop up half-truths and let politicians off the hook.

For over five years, researchers at the ECRS STEPS Centre have been asking why progress has not been swifter or more effective. Part of the answer is that the interplay between the social, technological and ecological dimensions of water and sanitation (“Liquid Dynamics”) is not sufficiently recognised.