EPHI Announces Expanded UNHCR Pledge to Support Climate Resilient Drinking Water Infrastructure Planning

Expanded commitment strengthens global efforts to advance equitable, climate resilient drinking water systems in refugee and host communities.

Press Release

Chicago, Illinois – November 22, 2025
Environmental & Public Health International (EPHI), a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recognized leader in public water supply training and capacity building, announced an expanded commitment under the United Nations Global Compact on Refugees. Led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Compact provides a framework for predictable and equitable responsibility sharing to support refugees and the communities that host them.

EPHI’s updated pledge builds on its existing commitment published by UNHCR and strengthens global efforts to advance climate resilient drinking water infrastructure planning in refugee and host settings while supporting key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Advancing Global Climate Action and Equitable Water Infrastructure Planning

EPHI’s expanded pledge reinforces international awareness of the critical role that climate resilient drinking water systems play in public health, environmental justice, and protection of displaced populations. As part of this effort, EPHI is broadening global outreach for its Lead Service Line Replacement Cost Calculator (LSLRCC), a free public research grade tool that enables researchers, governments, utilities, and humanitarian partners to model drinking water infrastructure costs with transparency and consistency.

Humanitarian and Environmental Recognition

The LSLRCC has been recognized by UNEP for its contribution to advancing equitable, lead free drinking water systems and climate adaptation planning. It has also been highlighted by the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action (ALNAP) as a humanitarian, climate action, and human rights tool that strengthens equitable and climate resilient drinking water infrastructure.

Since May 2025, EPHI’s global awareness campaign has reached users in more than 150 countries, including areas confronting severe climate vulnerability, environmental injustice, and population displacement.

“Climate pressures are redefining the challenges communities face in securing safe drinking water,” said Anthony Ross, Director of Environmental & Public Health International. “Our responsibility is to ensure that evidence based planning resources stay freely accessible to practitioners and decision makers worldwide.”

Global Open Access Resource Supporting Research, Policy, and SDG Implementation

The LSLRCC remains fully open access at no cost to governments, utilities, research institutions, and humanitarian organizations worldwide. It now includes a formal digital object identifier to support academic research, technical reporting, and water infrastructure funding applications through the UNESCO IHP-WINS platform.

The tool supports key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

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Anthony Ross
Director, Environmental & Public Health International
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