About water and sanitation projects

Why clean water matters

For children to grow up happy and healthy, they need to have clean water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene. Yet every day, nearly 1,000 children under five die from diarrhoea because of dirty water, poor sanitation and unsafe hygiene practices.

Contamination from industry or agriculture makes water undrinkable and can lead to waterborne diseases. Unreliable rainfall and the effects of climate change mean families are forced to travel further for water and might end up using unsafe, dirty sources.

World Vision is the largest non-government provider of clean water in the developing world.

Clean water saves lives

With your support, we work with communities to meet urgent sanitation needs and provide long term solutions to water scarcity:

Two women hold their children and smile in South Sudan in front of a blue latrine they now share

Water, sanitation and supplies

In emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic, our teams provide potable water, hygiene kits, temporary toilets amd water supplies. We work to protect people's health and dignity when they’re already in crisis. We also work with communities to ensure better water sanitation including latrines, like this one in South Sudan that Teresa and Nyankyok share, better waste management, and education on hand washing and food safety.

A girl in a red top leans against a wall and smiles as another child pumps clean water from a World Vision provided source

Long-term work with communities

Our long-term work with communities brings boreholes, hand pumps, solar-powered pumps and rainwater collection - like this one used here by Debby, 7, and Brendah, 12, from Zambia. We also help set up community groups that maintain and manage water points for the long term. Bringing safe water to a community means everyone has a better chance of experiencing the fullness of life.

A community in Mali celebrates, dancing and raising arms skyward in front of a newly working borehole

The difference this work can make

Children are healthier – with better hygiene and less diarrhoea. Farmers grow more and better crops – so they earn a better income and everyone's diet improves. Children have the time and energy to go to school – instead of a long, lonely walk to collect water. They’re safer and happier - with more time to play with friends and family. It is a cause for celebration for entire communities - like this community in Mali who are celebrating the opening of a new borehole.

Together, with your help, we can:

Provide water and sanitation in communities and in the midst of crises

Teach crucial hygiene and sanitation practices to keep families well

Improve food security by providing water for families' gardens and livestock

Help reach more children with clean water

Together, let's bring essential clean water to a vulnerable child's community.

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Kamama's story

For Kamama, 5, in Kenya, life has greatly improved since we helped install a water point just 250 yards from her home. Now she’s seldom sick, bathes every day, and her mother has the water she needs to grow fresh fruit and vegetables for her children.

I'll help a child like Kamama