Water is essential for life. We need water for everything for our personal use, in order to grow food, and to produce virtually all the goods required for our daily existence. It is impossible to imagine our lives without an adequate water supply. Yet water is not just a life-preserver: it can destroy life as well. It can spread water-borne infectious diseases for example. Millions of people suffer from serious diseases because they do not have access to clean drinking water.

Water is also vital for economic prosperity. The sale of water-related equipment and services is now