Sanitation

Proper waste disposal is essential in curbing water-related diseases around the world. Lack of adequate sanitation causes water sources above and below ground to become contaminated and unsafe. In some cases, even wells drilled several meters underground were found to be disease-filled because of the poor sanitation in the area.

Because sanitation is so closely connected to safe, clean water and good health, we are receiving an ever-increasing number of requests from our overseas partners to provide training in community sanitation. These requests bear witness to the fact that 2.6 billion people on earth today do not have access to adequate sanitation (World Health Organization). Basic sanitation, including latrines, helps stop the spread of disease, and it is critical to improving the health of any community. In addition, hygienic latrines become a source of dignity and security within a community. Our newly established Sanitation Program will complement Lifewater’s existing programs. It will increase their effectiveness by providing a well-rounded approach to community health and well being. It will assist needy communities through education on disease transmission, latrine construction, operation and maintenance, and social attitudes and behaviors about proper waste disposal.