Burlig Fiona, Jina Amir and Sudarshan Anant, ‘The Value of Clean Water: Experimental Evidence from Rural India’, Studies in Indian Politics , NBER Working Paper 33557, 2025

W ater is an essential resource with no substitute. Despite its fundamental importance, a large proportion of the global population lacks access to safe drinking water. Only 30% of people in low-income countries, and just 14% of those in rural areas, have reliable access to potable water, resulting in a significant decline in quality of life. India is no exception, with many communities facing persistent challenges in accessing safe water.

Discussions on water access and quality are widespread across development research, public policy, and global health, reflecting their importance to well-being and everyday life

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