Just think how different our world would be if every single person had safe, clean water.

It would be a world filled with healthy, happy families, who can simply turn on a tap to get safe, clean water and have somewhere decent to go to the toilet.

A world where everyone can look forward to a more positive future and where children can reach their full potential.

You can be part of this future we are all working towards by remembering us in your will. Find out more below, request an information pack or get in touch with Claire Barrett on 020 7793 4594.

Our vision for the future

Imagine a future where every single person in the world has clean water and a toilet. A world where diarrhoea no longer kills. A world where children are able to go to school, gain an education and fulfil their dreams. A world where parents – freed from the burden of water collection – can earn an income to support their families.

Every single day WaterAid is working towards that future. A world where every family in every village and town will have access to safe water and sanitation. 

We know that this time is a long way off but it is achievable and we are determined to make it happen. We won't stop until every community, every family, every single person has clean water to drink and somewhere safe to go to the toilet – that is why gifts in wills are so crucial to our work, and so valued. They ensure that our life-changing work can continue for generations to come. 

The future we want, and we believe you'd like too, is one where we can all look back and be astonished that people didn't have clean water to drink or somewhere safe and private to go to the toilet.

With your support we can make this happen. We hope you will think about leaving a gift to WaterAid in your will.

We're immensely grateful for every gift we receive, whether it is a specific sum, an item, or a small percentage of whatever is left once you have thought about those close to you. 

There are several gifts that you might consider leaving to WaterAid:

A share of your estate
Known as a 'residuary legacy', it is a percentage of what remains of your estate after all other gifts and expenses have been paid. One of the advantages of this gift is that it won't be affected by inflation as its value will change in line with the value of your estate. This means you're less likely to need to amend it in the future. 

A specific sum
Called a 'pecuniary legacy', a gift of a set amount.

A specific item
It could be something valuable such as an antique, painting, property or shares.

A reversionary gift
This gift allows you to leave your estate to your loved ones while they are living, but after they pass away the share you intended for WaterAid will pass to us. 

Amending an existing will?
Of course, you may already have made a will. You can add WaterAid by completing a codicil and sending it to your solicitor. A codicil is a document on which changes or additions are made to an existing will and must be read in conjunction with it. 

Download a codicil form ( PDF File 334KB)

How to word your will
It's really straightforward to include a gift to WaterAid in your will. All you have to do is give your solicitor our registered address and charity numbers:

WaterAid, 47-49 Durham Street, London, SE11 5JD

Our registered charity numbers are 288701 (England and Wales) and SC039479 (Scotland).

That's it. Your solicitor will do the rest, so it really couldn't be easier.

Download useful legal wording ( PDF 47K) 

Our promise to you

• You don’t have to tell us your decision – we completely respect your right to privacy (although we’d love to have the opportunity to say thank you).

• We understand that your family and loved ones come first.

• We won’t put you under any pressure – it’s a decision you will want to make in your own time.

•  If you remember WaterAid in your will we will use your gift carefully so it achieves the greatest possible impact for the families we will be working with.

• We will share news of the vital work that is made possible by gifts like yours, transforming the lives of men, women and children in the communities we work in.

• We’ll answer any questions you have, and we’ll keep you up-to-date with our work in the way that suits you – just let us know.

• You can change your mind about a gift in your will to WaterAid at any time.

• Any gifts you leave will be handled sensitively and respectfully.

Here are some straightforward answers to some of the questions you may have about leaving a gift in your will.

How and why should I make a will?
Without a will, your estate will be divided according to the law, which may not be in accordance with your wishes. It is therefore of great importance that you make a will and equally important that it should be drawn up with the help of a solicitor to ensure your last wishes are met.

We can provide you with a list of solicitors who write wills in your area. Please contact Claire Barrett for more information.

What kind of gift should I leave?
There are three main types of gifts you may leave in your will. All three are tax free:

• a share of your estate
• a specific sum of money
• a specific item

A specific sum of money (a pecuniary legacy) is a gift in your will of a set amount. A specific item could be something valuable such as antiques, paintings or even property. See ‘How to leave a legacy’ for more details.

I’ve already made a will. Do I need to make a new one?
You do not need to make a new will. Instead you can add a codicil to your will and send it to your solicitor. A codicil is a document on which changes or additions are made to an existing will and must be read in conjunction with it. 

Download a codicil form ( PDF File 334KB)

Are there any tax benefits to leaving a gift to WaterAid in my will?
If you leave a gift to WaterAid in your will, it will not be included when valuing your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. The value of your gift will be deducted from your estate before Inheritance Tax is applied. We would encourage you to discuss your will and the type of gift you might like to leave to WaterAid with your solicitor. 

Will my gift make a difference?
One of the great things about a will is that every gift, whatever the size, helps us reach more communities sooner. You could choose to leave a small percentage of what is left from your estate rather than a specific amount. 

Will my gift be used wisely?
If you choose to remember WaterAid, we will use your gift carefully so it achieves the greatest possible impact for the families we work with. You will be building a future where everyone has access to safe water and sanitation. Your gift can help children gain an education and help families earn an income. It will lead to healthier, happier families who are released from the burden of water collection, and a world where diarrhoea is no longer a killer.

By leaving a gift in your will to WaterAid, you will be playing an instrumental role in helping us turn our vision into a reality. 

What if I need to change my will?
We understand and respect that your decisions about your will are private, personal and made after much consideration. We also understand that circumstances can change. You can change the content of your will at any time. We will never pressure you to declare your intentions, though of course we’ll always be delighted to hear from you. 

I've decided to leave a gift to WaterAid in my will. What do I need to tell my solicitor?
Your solicitor will need our registered address and charity numbers, which are:
WaterAid, 47-49 Durham Street, London, SE11 5JD.
Registered charity numbers 288701 (England and Wales) and SC039479 (Scotland).

Should you wish to remember WaterAid in your will you might wish to take the following wording suggestions to your solicitor. Your solicitor will ensure that your wishes are accurately followed.

Residuary bequest (a share of your estate)
"Subject to the payment of my debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, I give the whole (residuary) or ______% of my estate not otherwise disposed of by this my Will to WaterAid (Registered charity numbers 288701 (England and Wales) and SC039479 (Scotland)) of 47-49 Durham Street, London SE11 5JD, for the general purposes of WaterAid and I declare that the receipt of their Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge."

Pecuniary bequest (a specific sum of money)
"I give free of tax to WaterAid (Registered charity numbers 288701 (England and Wales) and SC039479 (Scotland)) of 47-49 Durham Street, London, SE11 5JD, the sum of £______ for the general purposes of WaterAid and I declare that the receipt of their Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge."