771 million people in the world live without clean water.

That’s nearly 1 in 10 people worldwide. Or, twice the population of the United States. The majority live in isolated rural areas and spend hours every day walking to collect water for their family. Not only does walking for water keep children out of school or take up time that parents could be using to earn money, but the water often carries diseases that can make everyone sick.

Health
Diseases from dirty water kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. 43% of those deaths are children under five years old. Access to clean water and basic sanitation can save around 16,000 lives every week.

Time
Each day, women in Sub-Saharan Africa spend a total of 16 million hours collecting water. Access to clean water gives communities more time to grow food, earn an income, and go to school — all of which fight poverty.

Education
Clean water helps keep kids in school, especially girls. Less time collecting water means more time in class. Clean water and proper toilets at school means teenage girls don’t have to stay home for a week out of every month.

Women Empowerment
Women are responsible for 72% of the water collected in Sub-Saharan Africa. When a community gets water, women and girls get their lives back. They start businesses, improve their homes, and take charge of their own futures.

The water crisis is massive. But together, we can solve it. Private donors cover our operating costs so whether you choose to join us by giving once or through The Spring, our community of monthly givers, know that 100% of your generosity will bring clean water to families around the world.

To learn more about Charity: Water, or to donate to their efforts, please visit their website by clicking here.