World Plumbing Council chairman, Robert Burgon, has welcomed the United Nations' resolution recognising access to clean water as a human right.

The World Plumbing Council chairman, Robert Burgon, has welcomed the United Nations' resolution recognising access to clean water as a human right.

States and international organisations are to provide financial resources, build capacity and transfer technology as part of the resolution, especially to developing countries.

Burgon said: "The UN resolution should come as a timely and powerful reminder that plumbing is not only important but a key human right.

"Attention is often focused on Africa and Asia as the regions of the world having the biggest problems in relation to lack of water and sanitation.

"In fact, there are problems in many parts of the world. For example, nearly 140 million people – 16% of Europe's population – still live in homes that are not connected to a drinking-water supply."