The Problem

Contaminated water is the #1 cause of death in developing countries.

Bad water kills people! Diseases such as cholera, hepatitis, typhoid, dysentery, guinea worm, and more are all a result of contaminated water. Over 1 billion people today do not have access to safe water (UNICEF).

Every 8 seconds a child dies of a waterborne disease. (United Nations)

Less than 1% of the earth’s water is fresh water, and only about one-third of this 1% is available for human use. Unfortunately, almost all of this water is contaminated. In the developing world, contaminated water accounts for 80% of all diseases and claims the lives of 5 million children a year. (World Vision)

According to USA Today, “More people die each year from unsafe water than from all forms of violence, including war.” One person in six lives without regular access to safe drinking water (UN Sec. Gen. Kofi Annan).

Even those who have access to wells are not safe. Often these wells are contaminated by seeping surface water and pit latrines.