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About us

WaterAid helps communities to set up low-cost sustainable projects using appropriate technologies
WaterAid helps communities to set up low-cost sustainable projects using appropriate technologies.
Credit: WaterAid / Marco Betti

WaterAid

WaterAid was established in 1981 as a leading independent organisation which enables the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.

We work in Africa, Asia and the Pacific region and campaign globally with our partners to realise our vision of a world where everyone has access to these basic human rights.

We work with local partners, who understand local issues, and provide them with the skills and support to help communities set up and manage practical and sustainable projects that meet their real needs.

We also campaign locally and internationally to change policy and practice and ensure water and sanitation’s vital role in reducing poverty is recognised.

Safe water and sanitation are basic human rights. Everyone in the world should have access to them. We believe that access to safe water and sanitation underpins health, education and livelihoods, and forms the first, essential step in overcoming poverty.

WaterAid in India

WaterAid began working in India in 1986. Currently, WaterAid India (WAI) works in 10 states; Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

WaterAid India's objectives are to:

  • enable improved access to sustainable, safe and adequate water supply and sanitation through water, sanitation and hygiene projects;
  • create a knowledge base for promotion and dissemination of best practice and advocacy at different levels;
  • develop and foster an enabling environment for effective programme implementation, in-country funding, organisational learning and growth.

Since 2003, WaterAid India shifted its focus from southern India to include the poorer states in the north to better target India's most vulnerable communities. With this in mind, the country office was moved to the nation's capital, New Delhi.

WaterAid India also has regional teams in Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Bangalore and Lucknow.

WaterAid India's newsletter

WaterAid in India case studies

Videos about our work in India

Audio - listen to the handwashing song