The Crisis

No Water = No Chance		Clean Water = Life
Illness and Death. Between two and five million people die every year of water-related diseases, most of them young children. At any given time, nearly half of the population of the developing world suffers from illness caused by lack of access to safe water and sanitation.		Life and Health. When communities gain sustainable safe water systems, the incidence of life-threatening diarrheal disease decreases dramatically and many lives are saved, especially those of young children. When cleaner water is combined with hygienic practices and good sanitation, diarrhea incidences decline by up to 65 percent.
Stunted Growth and Intellect. Children that survive drinking contaminated water are likely to suffer malnutrition, stunted growth, and impeded intellectual development due to parasites and chronic diarrhea. In addition, approximately 443 million school days are missed each year due to water-related illnesses. Lack of adequate sanitation at schools compounds the problem, particularly for girls. Once girls reach puberty, many drop out of school because of the indignity of attending to their personal hygiene in schools without sanitary facilities.		Intellectual Development. With clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education, children have a chance at unhindered intellectual development and are much more likely to receive a good education. In time, their abilities and education move entire nations forward.
Physical and Emotional Harm. Women and children also risk physical harm during their daily journey to collect water. In addition to risking permanent damage to their spines due to the load they carry, they risk assault when walking in remote areas to fetch water for their families. Drowning is a danger as they gather water in slippery, dangerous conditions. Thousands die every year as they are collecting water.		Security. With clean water sources nearby, women and children face far fewer risks to their physical security.
Poverty. Significant economic development cannot be achieved without safe water. In addition to the burden of disease, communities without reliable water supplies spend inordinate amounts of time and energy collecting water. For lack of economic opportunity caused in part by lack of safe water, millions of young people migrate to urban slums every year.		Economic Productivity. With sustainable clean water systems in their community, individuals are better poised to increase the economic productivity of their community. Because of its many economic benefits, one dollar invested in water and sanitation usually results in economic gain of eight dollars.
Wounded Human Dignity. Perhaps most tragically, lack of safe water wounds human dignity. Unable to emerge from poverty, chronic diarrhea, and unhygienic conditions, people struggle to believe in their God-given worth.		Dignity and Wholeness. With clean water and sanitation, individuals in impoverished communities gain the ability to care for their health and well being, thereby more clearly reflecting and enjoying their God-given dignity and worth.

Read about how we help people gain clean water systems that will serve their families for generations.

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