Dear readers

Rivers, lakes and groundwater polluted by non-treated or only partly-treated wastewater from households and industry are endangering people's health, particularly in the large conglomerations spreading out in so many countries. Access to our vital water resources is in acute jeopardy.

The example of Latin America: 40 million cubic meters of wastewater are produced each day. Only 15 % is treated. The remainder seeps into the soil or is discharged into lakes, rivers or directly into the oceans.

Our Focus in this issue centers on potential solutions ways of optimising resource management and improving environmental hygiene. We highlight new, unconventional options which are opening up to households and industry

We also want to take a closer look at how alternative, decentralised waste disposal technologies and organisational innovations are being tested in Germany. Our scarce water resources must be better managed.

This issue of gate magazine also analyses the Reader Surveys carried out in recent years. We would like to express our sincere thanks for the numerous ideas we have received on topics you would like us to cover in future issues of gate.

Peter Bosse-Brekenfeld