Over-extraction and pollution of water sources

Utilities can over-extract or pollute water sources as a result of weak management.

Risk type: Cause

Risk driver: Internal

DESCRIPTION

A reduction in water availability – because of either over-exploitation or pollution of sources – opens avenues for corrupt practice. It increases opportunities for bribery and collusion between staff and customers who wish to get connected (legally or illegally) to the network. Over-exploitation and pollution also increase the likelihood of kickbacks to regulatory officials to cover up pollution, wastewater discharge, and over-extraction. All in all, it becomes more challenging to operate a utility in times of scarcity and increased demand without stretching regulations and breaching service agreements.¹

RED FLAGS

• Water levels in sources lower than usual
• Higher levels of contamination in source water
• Complaints about water scarcity in certain areas/regions

KEY GUIDING DOCUMENTS

WGF, 2011, Water Integrity Training Manual, UNDP Water Governance Facility at SIWI (WGF), Water Integrity Network (WIN), Cap-Net and WaterNET, Stockholm, Sweden

The Global Initiative Against Organized Crime, 2014, Water, water everywhere? Charting the growth of organized water theft, The Global Initiative Against Organized Crime, http://flarenetwork.org/learn/africa/article/charting_the_growth_of_water_theft.htm, accessed 15.10.2015

STRATEGIC, 2009, Corruption Practices and the Available Complaint, Feedback and Redress Tool(s) and Anti-corruption Tool(s) in Water and Sanitation Sector – Bondo District, Strategic Public Relations and Research Limited, Draft prepared for Kenya Water for Health Organization (KWAHO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

GENERAL EXAMPLES

Excessive water withdrawals²

Location: Israel and Jordan

Each year Israel uses 15% more water than its renewable supply, while Jordan annually withdraws 30% more water from groundwater sources than is replenished. The effects of these shortages are exacerbated in conflict environments. Contracted drivers bringing water supplies in Jordan’s Za’atari refugee camp, which currently holds 100,000 Syrian refugees, must fend off theft, vandalism, and aggression, and supplies are often hijacked and redirected to tanks that refugees have stolen.

Water scarcity opens avenues for corruption³

Location: Kenya

The scarcity and demand for water opens too many avenues for corruption to be practised. The projects serve huge populations and are therefore not able to meet the huge demands for water. This gives rise to illegal connections and people bribing for faster connections.

FULL REFERENCES

1. WGF, 2011, Water Integrity Training Manual, UNDP Water Governance Facility at SIWI (WGF), Water Integrity Network (WIN), Cap-Net and WaterNET, Stockholm, Sweden
2. The Global Initiative Against Organized Crime, 2014, Water, water everywhere? Charting the growth of organized water theft, The Global Initiative Against Organized Crime, http://flarenetwork.org/learn/africa/article/charting_the_growth_of_water_theft.htm, accessed 15.10.2015
3. STRATEGIC, 2009, Corruption Practices and the Available Complaint, Feedback and Redress Tool(s) and Anti-corruption Tool(s) in Water and Sanitation Sector – Bondo District, Strategic Public Relations and Research Limited, Draft prepared for Kenya Water for Health Organization (KWAHO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)