WaterAid is an international non-governmental organisation focused exclusively on improving poor people’s access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation. The organization works in Africa, Asia, Central America and the Pacific region and campaign globally with their partners to realise our vision of a world where everyone has access to these basic human rights.

Vision: WaterAid’s vision is of a world where everyone has access to safe water and sanitation.

Mission: WaterAid transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. They work with partners and influence decision-makers to maximise our impact.

What they do

WaterAid enables the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water and sanitation. Together with improved hygiene, these basic human rights underpin health, education and livelihoods, forming the first essential step in overcoming poverty.

They work with local partners, who understand local issues, and provide them with the skills and support to help communities set up and manage practical and sustainable projects that meet their real needs.

They also work locally and internationally to change policy and practice and ensure water, hygiene and sanitation’s vital role in reducing poverty is recognised.

Approach

WaterAid enables the world’s poorest people to gain access to safe water and sanitation. Together with improved hygiene, these basic human rights underpin health, education and livelihoods, forming the first essential step in overcoming poverty. The organization works with local partners, who understand local issues, and provide them with the skills and support to help communities set up and manage practical and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene projects that meet their real needs. They also influence decision-makers to do more to provide these vital services. We work locally and internationally to change policy and practice and ensure safe water, hygiene and sanitation’s vital role in reducing poverty is recognised.

• Delivering Service – The organization works with the poorest and most marginalised communities to set up practical and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene projects that meet their real needs. Hardware, such as taps and latrines, is always backed up by education about good hygiene, making sure that the health benefits of safe water and sanitation are maximised.
• Influencing - To make change happen the WaterAid influences those people with the power to act. They bring their supporters and local communities together to encourage decision-makers to make the necessary investment in water and sanitation.
• Fundraising - WaterAid raises funds through private donations, corporate partnerships, support from major partners, and support from the Australian government.

Impact

Clean water and safe sanitation underpin health, education and livelihoods. The organization’s work transforms millions of people's lives every year. The organization has reached 21 million people worldwide with safe water. 

Where they work

WaterAid works in 26 countries worldwide, transforming millions of lives every year with safe water, sanitation and hygiene projects.

WaterAid UK funds 22 country programmes in Africa and Asia. WaterAid Australia funds Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Cambodia while WaterAid America funds Nicaragua.