Our mission

WaterAid is an international non-profit with one goal: to change the world through water. 

Along with decent toilets and good hygiene, a reliable supply of clean water is essential for health, dignity and a life full of opportunity. Childbirth is safer and children get the chance to grow up healthy and strong. Families thrive and whole communities are better prepared for whatever the future holds. 

Founded in 1981, we work alongside communities worldwide setting up entire systems that deliver clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene for millions. And we get the people, policies and money in place to keep these systems working and the water flowing for good so people have safe, reliable services that last. 

The global water crisis

2.2 billion

people do not have safe water

We work with communities to fix this, to provide lasting solutions so communities can break free from poverty.

3.5 billion

people do not have access to a decent toilet

We're working with communities to build a local workforce that can install and maintain toilets.

2 billion

people lack soap and/or water to wash their hands at home

Good hygiene and handwashing are among of the most effective ways of improving global health. That's why we have always supported hygiene education.

Why WaterAid?

WaterAid has been working on water, sanitation and hygiene projects for more than 40 years. Thanks to thousands of people like you, we have reached 29 million people with clean water, 29 million people with decent toilets and 28 million people with hygiene education. We have a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and have the highest ranking, (four stars) rating from Charity Navigator.

We're on a mission to reach 400 million more people with life-saving clean water in the next decade. 

But we will need your help to do it. 

DONATE NOW

Now, with clean water and proper 
sanitation, I finally feel at peace, knowing these mothers and their babies are safer.   – Zainab

Zainab Juma Abdi, 29, midwife, examining baby Saidat, in the hands of his mother Habiba Juma, 28, Msanga Health Centre, Kisarawe District, Pwani Region, Tanzania, August 2024.
Zainab Juma Abdi, 29, midwife, examining baby Saidat, in the hands of his mother Habiba Juma, 28, Msanga Health Centre, Kisarawe District, Pwani Region, Tanzania, August 2024.
Image: WaterAid/ James Kiyimba

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