Why Water
Everyone Deserves Safe Water
It’s the first step to health, prosperity, and security.
The Challenge
The World’s Greatest Crisis
Safe water is one of the world’s biggest challenges. It is essential for life, health, environmental, and economic well-being, yet billions still live without safe water. Currently, 1 in 3 people globally do not have access to safe drinking water (World Health Organization, 2019). More than 1,000 children under the age of 5 die each day from illnesses caused by unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene (UNICEF).
Vulnerability of Children
In the world’s poorest countries, every 60 seconds a child dies from a diarrheal disease caused by unsafe water (UNICEF).
Daily Struggle for Access
More than 200 million hours are spent each day collecting water, predominantly by women and children, often from polluted sources far from home (UNICEF).
Health Risks from Unsafe Water
Diarrheal diseases, largely preventable through basic hygiene practices like hand washing, account for about 88% of deaths attributable to unsafe water and sanitation (World Health Organization).
Tailored Safe Water Solutions for Global Communities
The Opportunity
It All Starts With Water
Access to safe water sets the foundation for healthier, more prosperous communities. The cascade of benefits reaches well beyond the well.
Health
Improved access to safe water means children live past the age of five, and the physical burden on women and girls is significantly reduced.
Education
With better health, children have the energy and mental clarity to pursue education, setting the foundation for future success.
Economic Impact
Less time spent on water collection allows women to engage in productive activities, improving family income and community welfare.
Why Invest
Investing in safe water is investing in the future.
Investing in safe water creates lasting change. The WHO estimates that every $1 invested in water and sanitation can yield as much as $34 in economic and social benefits (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2009).
