Global challenges

In developing nations across the world communities are forced to drink water from sources contaminated by deadly water-borne diseases.

The global challenge of unsafe drinking water

Water-borne diseases account for about 1.5 million deaths every year. These diseases are caused by pathogenic micro-organisms that are transmitted in water when water sources such as lakes, rivers, streams and watering holes are used as drinking water sources. These diseases including cholera, typhoid, dysentery and bilharzia spread very quickly affecting individuals and communities.

The shocking facts about

water-borne diseases

Get involved

There are lots of ways you can help us with our mission to provide clean and safe drinking water to those in need.

Get involved

Why do so many people

still not have access to safe drinking water?

There are lots of challenges with providing clean and safe drinking water so let’s explore 5 of the key challenges.

1. The sheer scale of the problem

Approximately 840 million people still do not have access to clean and safe
drinking water. That’s a huge number of people and a global issue.

2. Water-borne diseases

Where fresh water sources are locally available, the water is often dangerous
to drink having been contaminated with deadly water-borne diseases.

3. Poor road infrastructure

Poor road access makes it difficult to deliver water infrastructure to remote towns or
villages. It’s also not uncommon for heavy rain and mud slides to wash roads away.

4. Language and cultural barriers

Languages and different cultures can make it very challenging to plan and execute
water projects. Poor water and sanitation education add to this challenge too.

5. Limited funding for water projects

Local governments have limited funds. Therefore, new water projects are not always
a priority. This means that these projects are often funded by charities and NGOs.

The most common water-borne diseases

There are three main groups of water-borne diseases – bacterial, viral and parasitic. Learn more about the most well-known water-borne diseases.

Explore our latest projects

Lifewater charity water projects transform communities in developing nations. Check out our latest charity water projects.

Latest projects

Global challenges

In developing nations across the world communities are forced to drink water from sources contaminated by deadly water-borne diseases.

The global challenge of unsafe drinking water

The shocking facts about

water-borne diseases

Get involved

There are lots of ways you can help us with our mission to provide clean and safe drinking water to those in need.

Why do so many people

still not have access to safe drinking water?

There are lots of challenges with providing clean and safe drinking water so let’s explore 5 of the key challenges.

1. The sheer scale of the problem

2. Water-borne diseases

3. Poor road infrastructure

4. Language and cultural barriers

5. Limited funding for water projects

The most common water-borne diseases

There are three main groups of water-borne diseases – bacterial, viral and parasitic. Learn more about the most well-known water-borne diseases.

Explore our latest projects

Lifewater charity water projects transform communities in developing nations. Check out our latest charity water projects.

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