A lack of safe water and sanitation accounts for 2 million deaths a year and half the illness in the developing world!


Imagine turning on the tap and questioning whether it is safe for your family to drink what comes out - if anything comes out at all.


One in five people worldwide go without access to safe and reliable water sources every day. Double that number go without basic sanitation services, such as latrines or even a place to wash their hands, contaminating water supplies and increasing their risk for illness.


In the U.S., we usually don't have to worry whether the water we need to survive will make us sick. In the developing world, water-related diseases such as cholera, typhoid, malaria afflict millions, keeping mothers and fathers from the work that supports their families and killing 6,000 children per day.


You can help ensure a healthy and safe future for the world's poorest. Urge your Representative to support the Water for the World Act, which aims to provide access to safe water and sanitation for 100 million more people by 2015.


In Depth:

A lack of safe water and sanitation is an ongoing threat to global security and remains one of the world's greatest health problems.

It accounts for 2 million deaths a year and half the illness in the developing world.

A powerful combination of rapid population growth and climate change will place further stress on limited water resources and may leave 2.8 billion people spread over 48 countries facing severe and chronic water shortages.


Although progress is being made through innovative partnerships between the U.S. government, NGOs, businesses, and local partners, nearly 900 million people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water and 2 out of 5 people on the planet lack basic sanitation services.

What the Water for the World Act Does: Provides 100 million of the world's poorest with reliable first-time access to safe drinking water and sanitation by 2015.

Establishes an Office of Water within the United States Agency for International Development to implement country-specific water strategies.

Creates a Special Coordinator for International Water within the State Department to coordinate the diplomatic policy with respect to global freshwater issues.

Establishes programs that invest in local capacity, education, and coordination with U.S. efforts in countries of greatest need.

Emphasizes low-cost and sustainable technologies, such as hand washing stations and latrines.


Thank you for taking action!


Source: Mercy Corps