How to help people get clean water

October 19, 2022

Although clean water is incredibly inexpensive and necessary to live in, there are still billions of people who don’t have access to it. There are many causes of this problem, from lack of funding to government corruption and everything in between. However, there are steps you can take to make a difference in this situation and provide clean water for people who don’t have it yet. Here are some ideas on how you can help people get clean water.

What causes unclean water?

The waterborne illness kills hundreds of thousands of children each year and prevents them from reaching their full potential. Disease—as well as parasites, bacteria, and other contaminants—can enter drinking water sources via leaky pipes or unclean lakes or rivers. Protecting these sources is necessary for protecting public health. Some government-funded programs make clean water more accessible in communities around the world, so keep reading for tips on how you can contribute to these efforts! 12% of households lack access to improved water sources.

Diseases caused by unclean water

The disease can be spread through unclean water or poor sanitation. Infectious diseases that may result from drinking unclean water include cholera, diphtheria, hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Poor sanitation can lead to intestinal worms, dysentery, and diarrhea. People with chronic diseases are especially at risk for dehydration because they cannot keep liquids down. Dehydration caused by infectious disease occurs when fluids exit our bodies faster than they enter it, so we become progressively more dehydrated until we die of thirst (dehydration). Thus, one needs clean water to avoid getting sick; clean water allows your body to continue functioning normally by replacing lost fluids as needed.

How much does unclean water cost?

Clean Water Funding! : The CDC estimates that each year, approximately 842,000 Americans fall ill and over 10,000 die from diseases associated with drinking contaminated water. It’s no secret that drinking clean water is vital to health and well-being. Although we’re in an age where getting potable liquids seems like a no-brainer, clean water isn’t always accessible—or affordable—for everyone. But there are plenty of organizations out there looking to do something about it.

Is your donation tax-deductible?

While many donations are tax-deductible, it’s important to check before you give. Make sure you’re donating directly through a nonprofit organization—donations made directly through a person or company may not be eligible for a tax deduction. To check whether your donation is tax-deductible, contact your financial advisor or your local IRS office and refer to Publication 526. The IRS website also has helpful information about charitable giving and deductions. Alternatively, you can use a service like Charity Navigator, which provides free ratings of charities based on their finances and transparency. Consider sharing: Donating money isn’t your only option! Donating household items like clothing or books can be an easy way to help out those in need without spending extra cash.

Are there alternative ways to donate?

Not everyone has a pile of cash sitting around, and there are other ways you can donate without breaking your budget. Consider pitching in for your loved one’s next birthday or a special holiday gift (say, This year, I’ll be dropping off a birthday donation instead of gifts. Will you let me know where we should send it?). Just keep in mind that even though these are much-appreciated donations, they won’t completely pay for drilling an entire well.

If you want to donate money but aren’t sure how, make sure to research organizations working on clean water projects near their communities and decide which group or groups are best suited for your donation; some require ongoing support while others only need specific materials—for example, shoes—to use in exchange for clean water. Ask your company if they partner with any charities; many do.