World Water Day 2008

Ill-health from drinking dirty water is one of the most serious threats to human life.

When emergency strikes, Oxfam's internationally- acclaimed water and sanitation system helps prevent the spread of communicable diseases — the greatest killer in the first weeks after a disaster.

Killer facts

• Two thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered by water but only 2.5 percent is freshwater. The total usable freshwater supply for ecosystems and humans is less than 1 percent.

• In the next 24 hours, diarrhea caused by unclean water and poor sanitation will claim the lives of 4,000 children.

• The minimum estimated amount of safe water every individual needs to ensure their basic needs is 20 to 50 liters every day. The average person in the UK uses 135 liters of water every day.

Over time, we help communities:

• Understand the root causes of the water problems they are facing and, if possible, protect themselves from dangers.
• Network with other affected people so they can share coping strategies, join forces, and strengthen their abilities to bring about change.
• Voice their concerns to governments, corporations, and individuals responsible for the development projects.
  

Without safe water and sanitation, it's much harder to escape the downward spiral of poverty and disease.

Often the solution to providing safe drinking water is not complicated — the engineering requires just some know-how, a few materials and a bit of hard work.

Read some stories of how Oxfam helps people address their water and sanitation needs.

Africa is Thirsty – Intermon Oxfam (Spain) microsite

Water for Survival Program – Oxfam New Zealand

Water for All – Oxfam GB's online learning resource on water and change

Take action! Oxfam Canada has joined with allies to demand Canada recognize water as a human right.

The lure of clean water: some displaced Chadians may not return to villages – Oxfam America

Take the "One Day Without Water" Challenge – Oxfam Quebec