McKinsey’s work in water resources, services, and technology helps build new perspectives on water as a major force at work in the economy and offers effective solutions to business and society.

By 2030, more than a third of the world’s population will live in severely water-stressed areas. We therefore expect water to grow from being a marginal issue to one that is central to all parts of the economy. We also consider water comprehensively, linking the challenge of managing water “upstream” as a critical natural resource, with “downstream” provision of clean water to users.

In 2009, McKinsey has been engaged in more than 90 water-related projects globally. Over 200 consultants and partners worldwide have distinctive water experience and assist clients by:

• Developing system-level perspectives on the economics of water and adaptation
• Leading water sector transformations through mobilization of the private and public sector
• Conducting performance improvement programs in water utilities, developing market, regulatory, and pricing strategies for national and international utility operators
• Developing investment strategies in the growing water market and supporting a step change in water productivity

The Sustainability & Resource Productivity Special Initiative's Water service line serves as a hub for this global network of experts and water-related expertise. It supports our teams in providing the best knowledge available to clients, and facilitates close collaboration across our industry and functional practices, including, e.g., Consumer Goods, Utilities, Public Sector, Strategy, or Marketing.

In addition, we have built several proprietary diagnostic tools and also work in collaboration with others. Some of our latest thinking on water resources, developed together with partners, can be found in the report, Charting our water future.