We often take water for granted.
Most of us expect water to flow from the tap every time we need it. If it does not, it is usually because our utility company is doing work in our neighborhood, or someone overlooked the bill. This is but a minor inconvenience that is easily remedied.
Widespread water poverty in Mad Max: Fury Road and Rango is a far-fetched fantasy to most of us.
However, for many people around the world, water poverty is a reality. Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is much more difficult. In many countries, women and children spend hours each day fetching clean drinking water for their families. They often miss school, or forgo it entirely to ensure their families have water. Without access to secure sanitation facilities, they spend even more time looking for a place to relieve themselves.
Fortunately for the water-poor, a group exists with a desire to improve these horrible conditions.
Water For People is an international non-profit with a mission to promote the development of high quality drinking water and sanitation services to all people. They envision a world where Everyone Forever has access to these necessities.
Currently, Water For People works across nine countries to bring safe water and sanitation to over four million people. Their projects include building wells, installing toilets, and establishing pumps. Their goal is to help communities implement solutions, and also teach the people how to maintain them. Such is the case in Rulindo, Rwanda where Water for People installed a water kiosk. This water is not free. Rather, the community must pay to withdraw it and then use the collected funds to maintain and fix the system over time.
Fortunately for these Rwandans and many more who struggle daily for safe drinking water, Water For People doesn’t take water for granted.
How can you make a difference?
Participate in the 6th Annual Run for World Water event at Kiwanis Park on Saturday, March 11, 2017. Give meaning to your miles by helping Water For People reduce poverty in developing countries. Distances include a 5K run, 1-mile walk, and a kid’s lollipop dash (50-yard-dash). All of the proceeds benefit Water for People and the wonderful work they do. For more information or to register, visit http://www.azwater.org/5krun. Online registration is available until March 10.
Kiwanis Park
5299 S. Ash Ave
Tempe, AZ 85283
Saturday, March 11
Water – Use It Wisely will be on hand with free water conservation advice, publications, and trinkets
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This event is coordinated by the Arizona Committee for Water For People, an outreach group of the AZWater Association. These dedicated water professionals host a variety of events to raise money and awareness for Water For People. Be sure to visit AZWater Association for upcoming events.
Jennifer Davidson is a Water Conservation Specialist with Scottsdale Water, one of fifteen Water – Use It Wisely partners to offer water-saving advice and programs.