Effective water management is crucial for business success and a sustainable future. Investing in global water infrastructure is a key component to achieving this goal and offers a unique opportunity for businesses to pursue a robust water stewardship strategy.

Ecolab recently invested in a new fund from WaterEquity, an asset manager focused on funding water and sanitation projects in emerging markets, that aims to reach 15 million people with safe water or sanitation access across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The sustainability-focused private equity fund has already raised over $100 million, uniting a unique group of corporate, foundation, and institutional investors, including Ecolab, Microsoft, Starbucks, and Xylem, all committed to collective action in water stewardship, sustainable development and climate resilience. The innovative finance model helps accelerate progress toward key global water access and resilience goals while delivering financial returns for investors.

"Water is at the core of every major global challenge we face today. Addressing the global water and sanitation crisis is not just about providing access to safe water; it’s about building resilience to climate change, advancing global gender equality, and transforming health and education outcomes for millions of people,” said Matt Damon, Co-founder of WaterEquity and Water.org, in the announcement. “Investing in water infrastructure is one of the most powerful ways we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone."

As climate change and water scarcity intensify, substantial investment in water infrastructure is more crucial than ever to help protect billions of people worldwide. According to the World Bank, current investments in water supply and sanitation systems must quadruple to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all. This financial milestone represents a pivotal moment for collective action, calling for a diverse range of stakeholders—including governments, private sectors, and NGOs—to collaborate and leverage innovative financing solutions.

“As a global water leader managing more than one trillion gallons of water for customers across more than 40 industries, Ecolab is focused on building a positive future where water resources are abundant and sustainable,” said Emilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab. “By investing in WaterEquity’s Water & Climate Resilience Fund, Ecolab is helping to provide millions of people with clean and safe water. The initiative underscores our belief that business success and sustainable development are intrinsically linked.”

Building on the success of four previous impact funds—including the Global Access Fund IV, in which Ecolab also invested—this new initiative focuses on climate-resilient infrastructure projects, such as bulk water supply, distribution, wastewater treatment and reuse.

One of the fund’s initial investments is expected to be in a growth company in India specializing in freshwater management. The company’s patented rainwater harvesting system helps address water scarcity and flood impacts, making rainwater available for non-potable use and recharging underground aquifers. With 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of its water resources, India is among the most water-starved countries globally.

WaterEquity and non-profit organization Water.org, both founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, operate with a unified vision of safe water and sanitation for all. Together, they harness the capital markets to help end the global water crisis.

Ecolab’s investment in the WaterEquity Fund underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing global water challenges. By collaborating with other leading corporations and institutions, Ecolab is advancing its own water stewardship goals while contributing to a broader movement to protect the world’s water resources.

To learn more about Ecolab’s approach to water stewardship, visit www.ecolab.com/corporate-responsibility/environment/water-stewardship.