Who We Help

Water.org

Water.org International is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization committed to providing safe drinking water and sanitation to people in developing countries. Working in partnership with donors and local communities, WaterPartners has helped thousands of people develop accessible, sustainable, community-level water supplies. Water.org not only offers traditional, grant-funded programs, but is also harnessing the power of micro-finance to address the world water crisis.

Each day, more than a billion people in developing countries must walk long distances to get the water they need for drinking, cooking and bathing. Often, this water is contaminated. WaterPartners helps people in developing countries obtain safe drinking water and basic sanitation (toilets). Working in partnership with those in need, Water.org has transformed more than 200 communities in eight countries since its inception in 1990 – Bangladesh, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Honduras, Guatemala, India, Kenya, and the Philippines – with access to a safe, reliable source of water and basic sanitation.

By forging partnerships with carefully screened partner organizations and offering innovative financing methods through its WaterCredit Initiative, Water.org empowers local communities to develop and sustain solutions to their own water needs.

Water.org is challenging the traditional approach to assisting people in developing countries by building water systems not just for people, but with people. Water.org believes that local people know their own needs best so they work through high-quality partner organizations based in the developing world that share this philosophy. It’s why the communities they serve are actively involved in all stages of their water project. Community involvement ensures the use of appropriate technology and fosters sustainability. And integrating all projects with health and hygiene education ensures that the benefits of safe water continue for many years to come.