The UN World Water Development Report(WWDR) reveals the state of the world's freshwater resources

For the first time, 23 United Nations agencies and convention secretariats have joined their efforts, to produce the most comprehensive and up-to-date report on the state of the world's freshwater resources. The first edition of this UN World Water Development Report(WWDR), "Water for People, Water for Life", was presented to the media on March 5, 2003, and will be officially launched on the World Water Day, March 22, during the 3rd World Water Forum in Kyoto, Japan.

The report ranks 122 countries according to the quality of their water as well as their ability and commitment to improve the situation. Korea ranked 8th place out of the 122 selected countries. Belgium is considered the worst basically because of the low quantity and quality of its groundwater combined with heavy industrial pollution and poor treatment of wastewater.

The list of countries with the best quality of water is headed by Finland, followed by Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Japan, Norway, Russian Federation, Republic of Korea, Sweden and France. The U.S. ranked 12th and China 84th, respectively.

The WWDR is a periodic, comprehensive review, which gives an authoritative picture of the state of the world's freshwater resources, aiming to provide decision-makers with the tools for sustainable use of water. The Report revealed the results of the assessed water quality indicator values, such as the quality and quantity of freshwater, wastewater treatment facilities, the application of pollution regulations and so on, as well as water availability per person per year.