India's water and sanitation crisis

With a population of 1.38 billion people, India is the second most populous country in the world. More than 6% of this population lack access to safe water and about 15% of India’s population practices open defecation. A lack of household water connections and toilets contributes largely to water-borne illnesses, stunting, and death.

In India and around the world, millions are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic with the added challenge of living without access to safe water. Now more than ever access to safe water is critical to the health of families in India.

These factors, combined with the current political push to end this crisis, has created unprecedented urgency to implement effective solutions to increase access to safe water and sanitation.

Water.org partnerships scale impact in India and around the world

Watch to learn how Water.org is helping empower families in India like Renuka's with more than taps and toilets.

  • Stories of Impact

    It's time for school

    Water makes time for school possible for kids in Rasulpur and around the world. When kids have access to safe water at home they can walk to school instead of walk to collect water.

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  • Stories of Impact

    Rehana

    Homes in Rehana’s village are simple. Made of thatch and mud and concrete, the humble structures offer a haven for rest and play, but rarely do they have water or sanitation connections. While her husband worked and her children went to school, Rehana walked up to six hours a day to get water for cooking, laundry, and baths.

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    Rehana

To help us reach more people in need of safe water and sanitation in India, donate today.

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