World Water Day

One out of eight people in our world lacks safe drinking water and two out of five have inadequate sanitation. The direct impact of undrinkable water on communities is clear. What about the indirect impact of scarce water?

A poor rainy season means fewer crops, more malnutrition and even drought. Traveling long distances for water can pose security risks. The high cost of buying water is a financial burden on the already vulnerable poor.

The good news is you can do something about it. Many years ago I met the fine folks over at World Relief. They are committed to sustainable work in some of the most vulnerable parts of the world. Today, you can join with them to make a difference.

In the past, with the support of others, they have been able to:

Train 60 midwives in South Sudan to teach mothers about water-borne diseases and the need for sanitary conditions for their children.

Build wells for 12 communities, provide 100 houses and 5 public latrines while messaging cholera prevention in Haiti. + Read more

Teach mothers in Burundi the importance of boiling water and early treatment of diarrhea. + Read more.

Bring life-giving water to the drought stricken area of Turkana, Kenya.

Teach communities how to maintain wells, pumps and systems for sustainability.

While these (and many more) are powerful stories, there is still more we can do. Would you consider celebrating World Water Day 2012 by giving the gift of clean water? With many giving a little, we can do a lot. + Click here to make a difference.