The new Water Can collective aims to reach the poorest countries on the planet

Five international water charities are joining forces to provide some of the world’s hardest to reach communities with access to safe water, improved sanitation and good hygiene.

Across the globe, 785 million people don’t have access to clean water - one in 10 people. Without safe water many people face serious illness, death, lack of opportunities, missed education and lost time. 

The newly formed Water Can collective consists of Dig Deep, Frank Water, Just a Drop, Pump Aid and Village Water, five passionate organisations who are working together to change this. By pooling their knowledge and experience they have joined forces to reach some of the most marginalized communities in the world who are often missed out or left behind. Individually each charity has already achieved great success in enabling and empowering communities across India, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Uganda and Zambia to become self-sufficient with water resources that are sustainable and lasting.

Covid-19 has shown how vulnerable everyone is and how vital basic hygiene has always been. Water Can is working to address this issue and more effectively support vulnerable communities to stay safe, by providing secure, safe water for drinking and for basic practices like handwashing.

Together, the Water Can founding members can have far greater impact, raising awareness and aiming to support 50,000 more people in the hardest to reach communities all around the world. 

Rachael Heaton, of Dig Deep (Africa), said: “We joined forces in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, knowing that together we could bring safe water, a basic human need, to more communities and ultimately save lives.

“The pandemic has reminded us all about the importance of handwashing and how lucky we are to have access to safe water. This is why it’s so important for organisations like Water Can to collaborate, to reach more people with life changing water provision.”

Brendan Hanlon, of Just a Drop, said: “Water has the power to change lives, not only in terms of health and wellbeing, but also by increasing opportunities.

“Better access to safe water means more women and girls, who are usually responsible for walking great distances to collect water, can stay in school, earn money and spend time on other community activities.”

Over the coming twelve months, Water Can will be launching a series of campaigns, fundraising activities, and initiatives to encourage people to share and donate to the cause. 

Funds raised will help each organisation to deliver life changing hygiene promotion and safe water to mitigate the impact of Covid-19, therefore improving the health and wellbeing of thousands of people. To find out more and to donate, visit the website.