The Water Fund
A blended capital platform connecting systemic underinvestment in the world's most essential and overlooked resource — water
Date: 15/08/25
www.waterfund.com
Welcome
Message
Christoph Schwager
Chairman, The Water Foundation
Thank you for joining us today as we explore innovative approaches to global water security challenges.
We emphasize scalable solutions that build resilience, restore ecosystems, and expand water access globally.
www.waterfund.com
Introduction
Framing the
Challenge
Water technology innovation requires unprecedented coordination across sectors, geographies, and stakeholder groups.
- 2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water
- 4.2 billion people lack safely managed sanitation
- $114 billion annual investment gap in water infrastructure
- 80% of wastewater flows back to ecosystem untreated
The Blind Spot of
Humankind
Hidden in Plain Sight
- Water is a critical system hiding in plain sight.
- Despite its foundational role, water is undervalued, undercapitalized, and unprotected.
The Investment Gap
- Traditional funding models fail to address systemic water challenges
- Fragmented approaches miss critical interconnections
www.waterfund.com
Our Mission
Our mission is built on three key pillars
We exist to solve humanity's most overlooked crisis at a global turning point.
Our mission is to mobilize blended capital, science, and local leadership to restore global water resilience.
We aim to close the water capital gap by building vehicles, alliances, and trust systems for lasting change.
www.waterfund.com
Catalyze Innovation
Build Resilience
The Problem
Water is underfunded and fragmented
Multiple interconnected challenges prevent effective water security solutions
Scale Mismatch
Local solutions struggle to address global challenges
Capital Gaps
Insufficient funding for critical water infrastructure
Technology Barriers
Innovation adoption hindered by market failures
Governance Fragmentation
Disconnected policies undermine coordinated action
Key Figures
Water stress is escalating globally, with critical implications for human security and economic stability.
People in Water Stress
Experience severe water scarcity at least one month per year
Supply Deficit
Gap between water demand and sustainable supply by 2030
Water-Related Disasters
Of all natural disasters are water-related
Geopolitical Trend
Conflict Zones
Water stress is intensifying tensions across fragile regions and borders.
Regional Flashpoints
Disputes over water are growing in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Resource Competition
Nations are contesting dwindling supplies, risking broader geopolitical instability.
Threat to Peace
Water scarcity now endangers not just communities, but peace between nations.
Our Systemic Solution
Not a fund...
We're building a systemic correction mechanism, not just a fund....
Mechanism
Structure
A multi-layered structure realigning capital with the water system
Innovation
Deploy solutions with proven impact readiness
Approach
Policy Alignment
Ensure governance supports long-term capital flow.
Finance Stack
Activate capital layers from grants to private equity