The first Water Decade aimed to serve everyone with safe drinking water by 1990. More than three decades later, the task is far from finished; it is now abundantly clear that it will take more time - in some countries much more time - than the 15 years of the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite the United Nations declaration that no-one would be left behind, without step-changes in commitment, know-how, and resources, many rural households will still be struggling for their daily water supply in 2030 and beyond.

In this book, Richard Carter weaves together the myriad of factors that need to come together to make rural water supply truly available to everyone. Sustainable water supply for all requires sound stewardship of water resources, good quality physical infrastructure, and management and financing arrangements that are equally fit-for-purpose. In many countries, systemic change is needed. Ultimately, radical changes to the global web of injustice that divides this world into rich and poor may be the only way to address the underlying problems.