Nearly two billion people worldwide lack regular access to clean drinking water, resulting in approximately 800,000 deaths annually from water-related illnesses. While democracies have historically been better at delivering public goods such as water infrastructure, a new study led by MIT political scientist Evan Lieberman reveals that democracies in developing countries are falling behind non-democratic regimes in providing universally safe drinking water.
Study Findings on Water Access in Developing Countries
The study analyzed data from nearly 100 low- and middle-income countries using statistics from the World Health Organization and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme. Researchers differentiated between basic water access—defined as availability of improved water sources within a 30-minute collection time—and safe drinking water, which must be available on premises, accessible when needed, and free from contaminants such as fecal matter or harmful chemicals.
Results showed that democracies slightly outperform non-democracies in providing basic access to water. However, when it comes to safe drinking water, democracies have been less effective, with the gap widening over time. Between 2000 and 2024, 81 out of 90 countries with available data improved safe water access, but democratic nations advanced this goal more slowly than their non-democratic peers.
Challenges Unique to Democracies
The researchers suggest that the core issue lies in the invisibility of water safety compared to the visible infrastructure of water delivery. Democratic governments tend to prioritize public goods that citizens can easily observe, such as new pipes or taps, because these tangible benefits garner political support. Conversely, ensuring water safety involves complex, less visible efforts like testing, pollution control, and treatment, which may not attract the same political incentives.
Lieberman highlighted that the short-term horizons of elected officials and the lower public visibility of water quality contribute to underinvestment in safe water systems within democracies. “Politicians may focus on visible achievements to secure votes, while safe water’s invisible nature makes it a less compelling issue,” he noted.
Implications for Policy and Governance
The findings underline a disconnect between democratic incentives and the delivery of universally safe drinking water. Lieberman emphasizes the need for greater awareness and political mobilization around water safety, encouraging civil society and governments to align incentives to prioritize this critical public health issue.
As an expert on African politics, Lieberman views democracy as essential for dignified development—economic growth coupled with participation and equal rights. Still, the study calls for pragmatic approaches addressing governance challenges to improve safe water access.
Background
Access to safe drinking water is a key target under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals established in 2015. Good governance, especially democratic accountability mechanisms such as elections and transparency, has traditionally been associated with better delivery of public goods. However, this study reveals complexities in the twenty-first century, suggesting that democratic systems may require new strategies to effectively manage less visible but vital services like water safety.
Sources
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