Water and sanitation

Clean water is a basic need for human beings. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives. However, at least 3,000 children die each day from diseases caused by unsafe water, which is what motivates our members to build wells, install rainwater harvesting systems, and teach community members how to maintain new infrastructure.

While very few people die of thirst, millions die from preventable waterborne diseases, providing the impetus for our members to also improve sanitation facilities in undeveloped countries. Members start by providing toilets and latrines that flush into a sewer or safe enclosure and then add education programs to promote hand-washing and other good hygiene habits.

Join Rotary and help extend the flow of clean water to everyone.
Give now to support a water project.

Read news about Rotary's work with water and sanitation

• Rotary helps Ghana surpass clean water goals
• Jack Sim wants you to talk about toilets
• Water summit urges collaboration to quench world's thirst
• Engineering sustainable water solutions in Latin America
• A global thirst for water

Resources & reference

• WASH in Schools Target Challenge
• Apply for a UNESCO-IHE scholarship (for water and sanitation professionals)
• Learn more about our partners
• Browse Rotary Showcase for member projects providing clean water
• Find a water project to sponsor on Rotary Ideas