Global Atlas of Excreta, Wastewater Sludge, and Biosolids Management

Colleague Robert Adamski sent this information along.

“It is crystal clear that, in addition to clean air, the well-being of our planet also requires that water, wastewater and the resulting biosolids (sludge) need to be managed more seriously, and in a focused, coordinated and cooperative manner.”  

This is a theme in this new Global Atlas, which details the management of excreta, wastewater, and biosolids in 37 countries around the world.  Local experts in each country wrote chapters, and editors Ronald LeBlanc (Greater Moncton Sewerage Commission), Peter Matthews (Sustainable Organic Resources Partnership, UK), and Roland Richard (GMSC) - working with project managers, an editor, and a designer at UN-HABITAT in Nairobi – put them together in a 632-page volume.  Ned Beecher of NEBRA wrote an overview chapter.  

The Atlas was formally introduced September 9th at the International Water Association World Water Congress in Vienna.  According to an IWA news release: “’It’s a fantastic piece of work,’ said Dr. Darren Saywell, IWA Development Director. ‘It presents a clear picture of what’s happening with biosolids management in countries all across the world,’ said Moncton’s chairman Ronald LeBlanc.”

The new Global Atlas is available from the UN-HABITAT website.

"Water and sanitation is one of the primary drivers of public health. I often refer to it as 'Health 101', which means that once we can secure access to clean water and to adequate sanitation facilities for all people, irrespective of the difference in their living conditions, a huge battle against all kinds of diseases will be won." -- Dr. Lee Jong-wook, former Director-General, World Health Organization