Actualmente, el 48% de la población mundial vive en ciudades; en 2030, se alcanzará el 60%. Aunque generalmente las aglomeraciones sean zonas con un alto crecimiento económico, los retos abundan. Por ejemplo, en las ciudades de bajo ingreso uno de cada seis niños muere antes de los cinco años.

Asegurar una buena gestión de los recursos hídricos en las ciudades es una tarea difícil, y dado que las poblaciones urbanas aumentan regularmente, resulta más urgente que nunca mejorar la situación actual.

Para más información la sección Hechos y Cifras sobre agua y ciudades.

Videos

	Mapping Mirzapur (ZIP) Inequities abounded in Mirzapur, with only the rich and politically influential receiving water and sanitation services. The large majority of people resorted to private water vendors and illegal pumping of town pipes.In order to regain ownership of property and water, the municipality has been maped for the first time, allowing for taxes and services to be paid for. In this manner, water and sanitation, and dignity, can be provided equitably. Idioma English Fuente Water, the Drop of Life, video produced by Swynk
	Mexico, a sinking city (ZIP) Mexico City is home to over 22 million people, nearly one fifth of Mexico’s population. Of all the difficult economic and social issues, the search of water has become their greatest challenge. The city depends on groundwater for 80% of its supply which comes from the Mexico Valley aquifer. The depletion of the aquifer has caused a shifting and settling of the land. Today, the city is sinking. Idioma English Fuente Water, the Drop of Life, video produced by Swynk
	Spanish Family Saving Water (ZIP) Modern cities such as Valencia in Spain are used to having water at the tip of a tap. Recent drought in the region has encouraged behavioural changes in the way water is consumed. Education campaigns and new water-saving products can go a long way to helping each person make a difference. Idioma English Fuente Water, the Drop of Life, video produced by Swynk

Fuente - Año Internacional del agua dulce 2003, UNESCO