Water Facts That Will Make You Think

Let’s dive into the numbers:

• 1 in 10 people worldwide lacks access to clean water.
• 2 billion people don’t have access to clean water.
• Every minute, a newborn dies from infection caused by lack of clean water and an unclean environment.
• Diarrhea, often caused by dirty water and poor toilets, kills a child under 5 every 2 minutes.

Born from a Conference

The story of WaterAid begins not with a single founder, but with a collective realization. On July 21, 1981, during the UN International Drinking Water Decade, a group from the UK water industry gathered at the Thirsty Third World Conference.  From this gathering, WaterAid was born. WaterAid’s mission? Making clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere.

The First Steps

With a solid plan and a world of ambition, WaterAid kicked off its first projects in Zambia and Sri Lanka.They marked the beginning of a global movement aimed at ensuring everyone, everywhere, has access to clean water and sanitation. Today, they work in 34 countries, partnering with local communities to bring sustainable water solutions to the forefront. 

wateraid’s Timeline of Transformation

The 1980s: Laying the Groundwork

• 1981: WaterAid is officially founded on July 21st, in response to the UN International Drinking Water Decade.
• 1983-1986: Expansion into East Africa and South Asia, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and India. 1983 also saw the organization extending help to Ethiopia and Tanzania, setting the groundwork for its partnership model.

The 1990s: Gaining Momentum

• 1991: The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles (now King Charles) becomes WaterAid’s first president, shining a spotlight on their mission.
• Throughout the decade, from funding the largest water scheme in Ethiopia to starting work in Pakistan, WaterAid broadened its impact.
• Mid-90s: Recognition arrives with the Stockholm Water Prize, acknowledging WaterAid’s significant contributions.

The 2000s: Expanding the Vision

• Early 2000s: The organization plays a key role in advocating for sanitation to be included in the Millennium Development Goals.
• 2004: WaterAid evolves into a global federation, embracing members from Australia and the Americas.
• 2009: Its work had reached millions, with WaterAid Sweden being founded.

The 2010s: Breaking New Ground

• 2010s: WaterAid’s influence grows, with strategic campaigns influencing governmental commitments to water and sanitation access by 2030.
• Mid-2010s: Launch of ambitious strategies aiming to reach everyone, everywhere with clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene.

The 2020s: Addressing New Challenges

• COVID-19 Response: WaterAid pivots to meet emerging needs, launching initiatives like “WASH on wheels” to continue their mission amidst the pandemic.
• 2023 and Beyond: Celebrating legislative advances like The Global WASH in Healthcare Facilities Act and setting ambitious targets to reach 400 million people by 2032.

Allies for Good

WaterAid organizes unique events like the “Coast Along for WaterAid” walks, involving communities and even attracting participation from high-profile individuals like the UK Prime Minister in 2010. WaterAid partners with corporations like Waterlogic, leveraging their Firewall technology, have significantly boosted fundraising efforts, with pledges reaching up to US$225,000 over three years.

Giants like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Boeing, and Google have thrown their support behind WaterAid fueling projects around the globe WaterAid’s response to COVID-19, with campaigns like “No Water on the Frontlines,” showcases their adaptability. Partnering with entities like Unilever, they’ve extended hygiene behavior change initiatives.

Innovative Projects

Empowering Monze District. In Zambia, projects like well construction and hygiene education significantly improved community health and education. The Milenge Self Supply Project in Zambia stands out for its self-sufficiency, encouraging local ownership and long-term sustainability in water supply. 

WaterAid India has brought clean water, decent toilets, and hygiene education to millions. The Handwashing Revolution initiative established mass handwashing facilities and hygiene essentials in six countries, directly benefiting over 152 million people.

waterAid’s Governance and Framework

WaterAid’s operations are driven by a strategic framework that adapts to the specific needs of the countries they serve, ensuring localized solutions for water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges. Each country program operates with a degree of autonomy, allowing for tailored approaches that align with global objectives and local needs.

Honors of WaterAid

In 2018, WaterAid and GOOD Agency were awarded for the best global fundraising and advocacy campaign at the Campaigns for Good Awards.  Moreover, WaterAid’s efforts were also honored with a Clio Health Bronze in 2023 for “Proud Legacy,” an entry by VMLY&R Colombia.

Additionally, a partnership detailed in a case study at the IPA Effectiveness Awards in 2020 showcased WaterAid’s long-term impact. Over 16 years, this collaboration has been credited with saving the lives of an estimated five million children. Their enduring partnership with The Kite Factory was celebrated with a Bronze at the IPA Effectiveness Awards. 

Honors By WaterAid

The President’s Awards, a prestigious recognition within WaterAid, endorsed by HRH The Prince of Wales, honor the exceptional commitment of volunteers, groups, and organizations to WaterAid’s cause. The 2021 edition spotlighted individuals and groups like ABeam Consulting LTD, Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP, and organizations like COFORWA in Rwanda for their outstanding contributions to water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives​.

Wrapping Up

WaterAid’s journey showcases the power of collective action and innovative solutions in tackling one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. Their work in providing clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene has changed millions of lives for the better. As we conclude this exploration of WaterAid’s work, let’s remember that every drop counts.