Our approach and lasting impact

WaterAid’s work goes beyond drilling wells, building taps and installing toilets. We put people first and create sustainable solutions, which requires changing attitudes, behaviors and policies—the systems that keep the water running. 

We work with a broad range of people and organizations, including communities, governments, civil society, educational institutions and the private sector to understand the barriers to sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene, and identify solutions. 

Collaboration ensures that the people and institutions responsible for providing services also have the skills and financing needed to build and maintain infrastructure when it breaks down or provide community education if hygiene habits lapse.

Build

Whether it’s a deep well, a rainwater harvesting tank or a solar-powered water pump, we use innovative technologies that serve communities for the long-term. Our staff install water infrastructure using local materials that can be easily maintained by the communities who use them.

Teach

We train communities to practice hygiene, locally maintain infrastructure, safely store water and test water quality. We bring hygiene campaigns to schools and health centers, enabling people to become changemakers by spreading knowledge about the connections between hygiene and health.

Scale

Advocacy is at the heart of what we do, and it’s how we scale up fast. We prove that sustainable water and sanitation systems work — then use that evidence to convince neighboring communities and elected officials to invest in their own. By showing what’s possible, we unlock government resources and accelerate change.