One in four people globally don't have safe drinking water.
Together we can change that.
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No one should have to choose between dirty water or thirst. Your gift will ensure vulnerable communities have the clean water they need to survive, whatever the weather brings.
68 million people in Bangladesh–42% of the population–must use contaminated water daily.
The changing climate is making it harder to find safe water, forcing people into poverty.
We can’t stop flooding or drought, but we can limit the effect it has on people and their access to water.
We have a plan to bring clean water, sanitation and hygiene to the people of Bhetkhali in Bangladesh. But we need your support to reach them and other vulnerable communities around the world.
Here's where you come in:
I’m afraid of the walk for water, especially when it’s dark. I find the walk very physically straining.
If I didn’t have to walk long distances to get water, I’d have more time to take care of my family. I wouldn’t have as many health issues.
We have a solution
Rainwater harvesting systems are low maintenance, easy to install and drastically reduce the time spent travelling to collect water.
We’ll work with the community to build a communal roof to collect rainwater. A network of gutters will divert rainwater from the roof to large water tanks for storage.
Winter Appeal Gift Match
All gifts from individuals below $5,000 will be matched by an anonymous donor until December 31, 11:59pm PST
You can reach vulnerable communities around the world
Emergency response
When disasters strike, water systems are often the first thing to go. From flash floods to landslides, the effects of extreme weather can be devastating. After a disaster, WaterAid distributes hygiene kits. Simple items help families stay healthy until more permanent repairs can be made. We source materials locally. Most kits feature the following items:
WaterAid distributes hygiene kits in the aftermath of floods, earthquakes or cyclones. It costs $156 to provide a family with safe water, dignity and health during an emergency.
WINTER APPEAL DONATION MATCH - DOUBLE YOUR GIFT!
All gifts from individuals below $5,000 will be matched by an anonymous donor until Tuesday, 28 November, 11:59pm PST
Meet the community of Bhetkhali
"We use pond water for showers and washing. The water is not good but there is no alternative. The water is not good to shower in. My hair is falling out and I feel bad about it.” —Jhorna. Photo Credit: WaterAid/Fabeha Monir
"We use pond water for showers and washing. The water is not good but there is no alternative. The water is not good to shower in. My hair is falling out and I feel bad about it.” —Jhorna. Photo Credit: WaterAid/Fabeha Monir
"There isn’t enough drinking water here. Bigger houses with lots of people in can’t get enough. In rainy it’s easier for us as we can store it, and it lasts up to 4 months. But in other months it’s harder. We don’t have enough water to wash ourselves and our clothes or feed our animals. Even our animals get sick from the water.” “As there’s so much saltwater here, the rain is also acidic. During summer when the weather is hot, the water sources dry up. There isn’t enough water in the ponds to wash ourselves, dishes and clothes. We have no choice but to travel further for water.” — Somoresh Photo Credit: WaterAid/Fabeha Monir
"There isn’t enough drinking water here. Bigger houses with lots of people in can’t get enough. In rainy it’s easier for us as we can store it, and it lasts up to 4 months. But in other months it’s harder. We don’t have enough water to wash ourselves and our clothes or feed our animals. Even our animals get sick from the water.” “As there’s so much saltwater here, the rain is also acidic. During summer when the weather is hot, the water sources dry up. There isn’t enough water in the ponds to wash ourselves, dishes and clothes. We have no choice but to travel further for water.” — Somoresh Photo Credit: WaterAid/Fabeha Monir
"The biggest problem in our community is that we don’t have clean water and we have water shortage.”The water here, in this pond, where I take my baths, is sweet but it’s very dirty, especially in the summer months. I don’t develop any rushes on my skin, maybe because my skin has adjusted to it. But many people in my community get itchy skin and rashes... I also have a lot of hair fall.”-- Joyosree Phot Credit: WaterAid/Fabeha Monir
"The biggest problem in our community is that we don’t have clean water and we have water shortage.”The water here, in this pond, where I take my baths, is sweet but it’s very dirty, especially in the summer months. I don’t develop any rushes on my skin, maybe because my skin has adjusted to it. But many people in my community get itchy skin and rashes... I also have a lot of hair fall.”-- Joyosree Phot Credit: WaterAid/Fabeha Monir
"When I collect the water, I have to take many rests as it is very difficult to carry it. I can’t go twice a day because I am busy working. If I don’t have enough water, I’ll ask other people in the community if they have some and I’ll buy it off them. The clean water I buy is not enough, so I shower using the pond water and it causes a lot of problems. Using the dirty water from the pond is adding to the problems with my skin.” — Chompa Photo Credit:WaterAid/Fabeha Monir
"When I collect the water, I have to take many rests as it is very difficult to carry it. I can’t go twice a day because I am busy working. If I don’t have enough water, I’ll ask other people in the community if they have some and I’ll buy it off them. The clean water I buy is not enough, so I shower using the pond water and it causes a lot of problems. Using the dirty water from the pond is adding to the problems with my skin.” — Chompa Photo Credit:WaterAid/Fabeha Monir
“I’m not optimistic about the future here in Bhetkhali. The saltwater intrusion is getting worse. And one water source is flammable, if you light something nearby then it catches on fire, so it’s not safe.” - Debendranath
“I’m not optimistic about the future here in Bhetkhali. The saltwater intrusion is getting worse. And one water source is flammable, if you light something nearby then it catches on fire, so it’s not safe.” - Debendranath
“There is drinking water 4km away. But this is a problem as I cannot walk that far so I buy the water... When there is no opportunity to work, to earn the money for water, we have to do the 4km to get the water. I cannot go due to my health but my husband cycles there. He can only bring 2 drums at a time. On average a drum can carry 20 liters. He can only go once a day. The main benefit if we get clean water here is that we won’t have to walk far any more, especially in this weather. We won’t have to worry…and it will give us more time to focus on other work. Water is the well-being for our good health. Our only concern is water. If we get the water we will get a better life. — Gita
“There is drinking water 4km away. But this is a problem as I cannot walk that far so I buy the water... When there is no opportunity to work, to earn the money for water, we have to do the 4km to get the water. I cannot go due to my health but my husband cycles there. He can only bring 2 drums at a time. On average a drum can carry 20 liters. He can only go once a day. The main benefit if we get clean water here is that we won’t have to walk far any more, especially in this weather. We won’t have to worry…and it will give us more time to focus on other work. Water is the well-being for our good health. Our only concern is water. If we get the water we will get a better life. — Gita
Why WaterAid?
Since 1981, WaterAid has reached 29 million people with clean water. We work hand in hand with communities to install systems that are locally owned, repaired and maintained.
We believe in long-term change.
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