A significant portion of the global drinking water supply is lost before it reaches consumers due to aging infrastructure. The Coca‑Cola Foundation is working with partners to address this issue, which affects both households and businesses.
It is estimated that about one-third of the world’s water never makes it to the tap because of problems such as leaky pipes, inaccurate metering, and illegal connections. This lost water could otherwise provide over 2 billion people with 100 liters each per day. These inefficiencies in infrastructure cost an estimated $39 billion annually, according to industry research. Many utilities find it difficult to obtain funding for necessary repairs or upgrades, making private investment a key part of the solution.
The Coca‑Cola Foundation supports The Coca‑Cola Company’s aim to return water to communities and nature. Since 2015, through funding from the Foundation and collaboration with bottling partners and suppliers, more than 100% of the water used in its finished beverages has been replenished.
Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca‑Cola Foundation, said: “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 emphasized 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 indicates that inefficient systems not only waste resources but also have financial implications on a global scale. With rising demand expected over the coming decades, organizations like The Coca‑Cola Foundation are focusing on collaborative approaches to create sustainable improvements.
