Hesperian Health Guides
Chapter 6: Protecting Community Water
Water is essential for life. People, animals, and plants all need water to live and to grow. But in many places people do not have enough water to stay healthy. Many people have to travel long distances to collect water. And often, the water that is available is not safe to drink.
When a community has a water supply that is safe and easy to get to, everyone has a better chance of having good health. If women and girls are freed from the daily labor of carrying water and making sure it is clean, they have more time to go to school and be part of community life. This improves the well-being of everyone. With enough safe water, children grow healthier and have less diarrhea disease caused by contaminated water.
This page was updated:05 Jan 2024