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Water Scarcity

Water Scarcity & The Importance of Water

Learn about access to water and the global water shortage

Water is scarce. Yet, we take it for granted, we waste it, and we even pay too much to drink it from little plastic bottles.

Today, nearly 1 billion people in the developing world don't have access to it.

Clean, safe drinking water is scarce. It is the foundation of life, a basic human need. Yet today, all around the world, far too many people spend their entire day searching for it.

The importance of access to clean water cannot be overstated.

 

What is Water Scarcity?

More than just a lack of water...

Simply put, water scarcity is either the lack of enough water (quantity) or lack of access to safe water (quality).

It's hard for most of us to imagine that clean, safe water is not something that can be taken for granted. But, in the developing world, finding a reliable source of safe water is often time consuming and expensive. This is known as economic scarcity. Water can be found...it simply requires more resources to do it.

In other areas, the lack of water is a more profound problem. There simply isn't enough. That is known as physical scarcity.

The problem of water scarity is a growing one. As more people put ever increasing demands on limited supplies, the cost and effort to build or even maintain access to water will increase. And water's importance to political and social stability will only grow with the crisis.


Read more about the water crisis »
 

Why is Water Important

When water comes, everything changes...
Education

When students are freed from gathering water, they return to class. With proper and safe latrines, girls stay in school through their teenage years.

Health

Safe water, clean hands, healthy bodies. Time lost to sickness is reduced and people can get back to the work of lifting themselves out of poverty.

 
Hunger

Access to water leads to food security. With less crop loss, hunger is reduced. Schools can feed students with gardens, reducing costs.

Poverty

Access to water can break the cycle of poverty. The communities we serve are ready to grow. We can't wait to see how they choose to do it.

 
See how we're working to address the water crisis in Africa

In some places, it is simply dry. Water is hard to find. In others, this most critical need is literally only a few feet below ground waiting to sustain life.

The Water Project, Inc. is a non-profit organization working to provide access to clean water to people in developing nations who suffer needlessly without it.

With our team of supporters we're funding clean water projects like water wells and rain catchment systems.

Haja K. - Community Member

The old water source had taste and it was not pure to drink. If we have this new water source, we should have pure water to drink.

Haja K. - Community Member
The Water Project: Tinitor Rehab - St. Lucia Well
Evarest M. - Farmer

The old water source was far for us, but the new water source is right within the village and has very clean water. Thank you.

Evarest M. - Farmer
The Water Project: Gakiri Community Well
Luka Tondo P. - Community Member

I'm so pleased and give thanks to the Lord for looking onto our cry and prayers. Today we are able to receive a borehole.

Luka Tondo P. - Community Member
The Water Project: Joom Village Well
Edward M. - Farmer

We are happy to have good and clear water near home. We used to fetch water which was unclean and caused many problems in our lives.

Edward M. - Farmer
The Water Project: Cyeru Community Well

Learn How to Help:

See the solutions we're working on in Africa

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