Instructions
Water Bill Match has two main purposes: (1) to help you become more aware of the degree to which you rely on safe water in your own life and (2) to raise support for programs that help people around the world access, use, and maintain the safe water they need to live. Water Bill Match is a way to track your own consumption habits and pass along the blessing of safe water and health to those who need it.

Each month, simply record the amount of your water utility bill (or the amount of money you spend on water) and donate an equal amount to Lifewater International.  This campaign can be done by an individual or any size group.

Step by Step:

1. Decide who you want to be involved in Water Bill Match. You can participate on your own or with your neighbors, roommates, small group, class, company, church, team, family, etc.
2. Decide how long you would like to do Water Bill Match. It can be done for any period of time, but since most people pay for their water monthly, we suggest donating every month for a length of time (e.g., one month, a season, a year, or perpetually).
3. Use or adapt this explanation of Water Bill Match to promote the campaign through e-mail, church bulletins, newsletters, etc. to promote the campaign.

Like no other resource, water is the foundation for life. Worldwide, one billion people, roughly one in six people, lack access to safe, clean drinking water. The absence of this precious resource results in a host of debilitating problems, from life-threatening diseases to missed educational and employment opportunities. Water is the foundation upon which everything else in a community is built.

Children suffer most from lack of safe water. Contaminated water is the world’s second biggest cause of death for children under five, and every year at least 1.8 million children die as a result of diarrhea and other diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. This corresponds to almost 5,000 deaths every day, or about one every 15 seconds.

You can do something about the water crisis. Through your participation in Water Bill Match, you have the opportunity to help communities around the world gain and maintain a safe water supply. Simply match your water bill each month with an equal donation to Lifewater International and their ongoing projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Your gift will ensure that others will be able to share in the simple, vital blessing of safe water.



4. Download or order Water Bill Match posters and tracking sheets (below). As water bills arrive, record them on the tracking sheet.
5. At the end of the month or the end of the period you have chosen, make a donation equal to the amount you have paid for your water. Or consider making recurring automatic monthly donations, for any length of time, by signing up online.


6. When you have finished Water Bill Match, write to us about your experience (campaigns@lifewater.org) so that we can improve our Water Bill Match materials and continue to find better ways to help you get involved.