Which statement best describes the role of water and sanitation in development?

Which statement best describes the role of water and sanitation in development?

• A. Water and sanitation have limited impact on development.
• B. Access to clean water and sanitation improves health, reduces disease, and supports education and economic activity.
• C. Sanitation programs primarily increase government spending with little development effect.
• D. Clean water only affects industry, not health.

Answer: (B)

Access to clean water and proper sanitation drives development because it directly improves health and frees time for schooling and work. When people have safe water and good sanitation, waterborne diseases decline, child health improves, and medical costs drop. Healthier communities experience fewer school absences and higher attendance, so education outcomes rise. With better health and more reliable water, adults can work more consistently and engage in productive activities, boosting economic activity and local growth. This broad chain—from health to education to economy—explains why the best description is that access to clean water and sanitation improves health, reduces disease, and supports education and economic activity. The other statements miss these wide-ranging benefits: some downplay impact, others focus only on costs or on industry without recognizing health improvements.

Access to clean water and proper sanitation drives development because it directly improves health and frees time for schooling and work. When people have safe water and good sanitation, waterborne diseases decline, child health improves, and medical costs drop. Healthier communities experience fewer school absences and higher attendance, so education outcomes rise. With better health and more reliable water, adults can work more consistently and engage in productive activities, boosting economic activity and local growth. This broad chain—from health to education to economy—explains why the best description is that access to clean water and sanitation improves health, reduces disease, and supports education and economic activity. The other statements miss these wide-ranging benefits: some downplay impact, others focus only on costs or on industry without recognizing health improvements.