The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, reports that over 80 percent of the world’s wastewater is released to the environment without treatment.
Irina Bokova, Director-General says limiting the discharge of untreated wastewater into nature can help advance sustainable growth.
She was passing her message on the occasion of the World Water Day.
World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of fresh water.
It is also meant to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
She says access to safe water and sanitation services is essential to the human rights and dignity and the survival of people across the world, especially the most disadvantaged.
This is vital for progress across the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, Ms Bokova adds.
She says wastewater could be a reliable alternative source of water.
Ms Bokova says wastewater should no longer be seen as a problem, but as part of the solution to challenges facing all societies.
She stresses that treated wastewater can be a cost-efficient, sustainable, safe and reliable alternative source of water for a variety of purposes.
Ms Bokova calls for the need to change mind-sets, raise awareness and redouble educational efforts to share the benefits of reusing wastewater.