Seven ways water changes everything

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

1. Water is health

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

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. Since a clean water point arrived in her village, Elida no longer has to spend hours walking for water. Instead, she has more time to work and increase her income.

3. Water is time

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, that time is freed up – meaning sisters like Volatiana and Solotiana in Madagascar have the chance to laugh, play and to go to school.

4. Water is education

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

Strong, sustainable sewerage systems help eliminate diseases like cholera. We implement these systems with some of the world’s poorest communities, like Kavre in Nepal, so that everyone can look forward to a healthier future.

6. Water is dignity

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

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 hear incredible stories of how water is enabling people to unlock their potential and transform their lives. What's more, we get to celebrate with children like Nomena from Madagascar!