Statistics can look stark. 1 in 10 don't have clean water close to home. 2 billion people, that's 1 in 4 people, don't have a safely managed water service at home.
But thanks to people like you, we've reached more than 27 million people with clean water.
That's 27 million more healthy and independent people in the world.
27 million more people contributing to the economic vitality of the community.
Helping communities help themselves
27 million people is a great start but we have so much more work to do. By working together, all of us, we can inspire everyone, everywhere to reach their full potential.
This is lasting change. This is how we have worked since 1981.
We are WaterAid and with your help, we can end the water crisis.
771 million
771 million people in the world do not have clean water close to home.
771 million people in the world do not have clean water close to home.
WHO/UNICEF (2021) Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2020. Joint Monitoring Programme. Geneva: World Health Organisation.
1.7 billion
1.7 billion people in the world – more than one in five – do not have a decent toilet of their own.
1.7 billion people in the world – more than one in five – do not have a decent toilet of their own.
WHO/UNICEF (2021) Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2020. Joint Monitoring Programme. Geneva: World Health Organisation.
489 million
489 million people in the world – one in sixteen – have no choice but to drink dirty water.
489 million people in the world – one in sixteen – have no choice but to drink dirty water.
WHO/UNICEF (2021) Progress on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2020. Joint Monitoring Programme. Geneva: World Health Organisation.
Every minute a newborn dies from an infection caused by lack of safe water and an unclean environment.
Every minute a newborn dies from an infection caused by lack of safe water and an unclean environment.
(WHO, 2015)
Diarrhea caused by dirty water and poor toilets kills a child under 5 every 2 minutes.
Diarrhea caused by dirty water and poor toilets kills a child under 5 every 2 minutes.
WaterAid calculations based on Prüss-Ustün et al. (2014) and The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (2018)
Around the world, up to 443 million school days are lost every year because of water-related illnesses.
Around the world, up to 443 million school days are lost every year because of water-related illnesses.
(Human Development Report, 2006)
Every $1 invested in water and toilets returns an average of $4 in increased productivity.
Every $1 invested in water and toilets returns an average of $4 in increased productivity.
(WHO, 2012)
Promoting good hygiene is one of the most cost effective health interventions.
Promoting good hygiene is one of the most cost effective health interventions.
(Disease Control Priorities, third edition (volume 2), 2016)
If everyone, everywhere had clean water, the number of diarrheal deaths would be cut by a third.
If everyone, everywhere had clean water, the number of diarrheal deaths would be cut by a third.
(Tropical Medicine and International Health, 2014)
In 2021 we received the 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar.
In 2021 we received the 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar.
Guidestar, 2020
Since 1981 we've reached more than 27 million people with clean water.
Since 1981 we've reached more than 27 million people with clean water.
(WaterAid, 2020)
