When your support enables our partners to dig a well or build a tap stand, it's no exaggeration to say it's the start of something that will change people’s lives forever.

And when you combine clean water with decent toilets and good hygiene? That’s when communities really start to thrive.

1. Water is health

A young child sits on a bench at a post natal clinic at the Mlali Health Centre in Tanzania.
It’s simple but true: having clean water at clinics like this one in Tanzania saves lives, helping babies make it through their first five years and giving new mums the best chance of survival.
Image: Eliza Deacon

It’s simple, but true: having clean water close by, and at clinics like this one in Tanzania, saves lives. It helps babies make it through their vulnerable first five years, gives new mums the best chance of survival and gives everyone a fighting chance of avoiding waterborne diseases.
 

2. Water is livelihoods

Elida stands at her water kiosk in Madagascar.
From managing a water kiosk, like Elida in Madagascar, to brewing beer and making bricks, clean water is giving people the time and resources to learn new skills and make their businesses a success.
Image: Ernest Randriarimalala

Clean water gives people the time and resources to find jobs, learn new skills and run successful businesses. It helps them break free from poverty and change their lives for good, whether they are managing a water kiosk, like Elida in Madagascar, brewing beer or making bricks.

3. Water is time

Volatiana with her sister, Solotiana, at one of the wells in their village in Madagascar.
In many countries collecting water falls to girls and women. But when they only need to carry it a few steps, like Volatiana and Solotiana in Madagascar, they can laugh, play and go to school instead.
Image: Ernest Randriarimalala

In most countries, the burden of collecting water falls mainly on girls and women. But when they only need to carry it a few steps from the nearest tap, like sisters Volatiana and Solotiana in Madagascar, that time is freed up, giving them the chance to laugh, to play and to go to school.
 

4. Water is education

The students raise their hands in agreement that they will follow safe hygiene practices and use latrines at all times, Government Primary School (GPS) Harijan Colony Malan Hore Veena, Tharparkar, Pakistan, 2013.

Spending time in the classroom is something many children can only dream of. When they no longer have to collect water every day, that dream can come true – opening up a world of opportunities, as these pupils in Pakistan are learning.

5. Water is transformation

Social Technician, Rajendra Gautam, 33, (down) and Krishna Bahadur Sunuwar, 58, (top) inspecting the technical details inside the sedimentation tank, Koshidekha, Kavre, Nepal, Mar 2017

Over 100 years ago, the world's first sewerage systems were built. It started the transformation of the world's cities, helping to eliminate diseases like cholera. Now we’re working with some of the world’s poorest communities, including Kavre in Nepal, to implement that same change, so everyone can look forward to a healthier future.

6. Water is dignity

Alzira waters her garden in Timor Leste.
Water is being able to use a decent toilet safely. It’s the feeling you get from washing regularly. And for Alzira in Timor-Leste, it’s knowing you no longer have to walk for an hour to collect water.
Image: Tom Greenwood

Clean water is something so many of us take for granted. But being able to wash regularly in a clean, private place is essential to lead a dignified life.
 

7. Water is life

Nomena, six, splashes in Madagascar.
We never get tired of talking about water. Why? Because we can’t live without it. And every day, we get to see photos like this one from Madagascar, showing how it’s transforming lives, forever.
Image: Ernest Randriarimalala

We never get tired of talking about water. Why? Because, quite simply, we can’t live without it. And because, every day, we get to hear incredible stories - and see inspiring photos like this one from Madagascar - showing how water is enabling people to unlock their potential and transform their lives. Forever.

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