作者认为，改善世界各地的供水和卫生条件需要的是政治意愿，而不是金钱。1981年至1990年的国际供水和卫生十年的目标是为所有人提供安全的供水和卫生设施。事实上，在那十年里，土地已经失去。作者讨论了人口增长、城市化、获得资金的困难和政治问题。获得额外供水和卫生资金的手段包括向用户收取用水费用、调整国家预算、吸引私人资金和鼓励私人倡议。 另一方面，可以通过使用低成本技术、提高效率和协调（例如，减少重复工作）以及“能力建设”——加强国家机构以应对可持续水资源开发，开发有利于绩效的人力资源——来实现成本节约。

The author believes that what is needed to improve water supply and sanitation conditions in throughout the world is political will more than money. The International Water Supply and Sanitation Decade, from 1981 to 1990, had as its goal safe water and sanitation facilities for all people. In fact, ground was lost during that decade. The author discusses problems of growing populations, urbanization, difficulties obtaining funds, and political problems. Means of acquiring additional funds for water supply and sanitation include charging users for water, restructuring national budgets, and attracting private funds and encouraging private initiatives. On the other hand, cost savings can be realized through the use of low-cost technologies, increased efficiency and coordination (for example, to reduce duplication of efforts), and "capacity building"--strengthening national institutions to deal with sustainable water resources development and developing human resources that are conducive to performance.