Water

Securing water resources and improving access to safe water and sanitation facilities are core elements of Helvetas' work.

The most vulnerable communities of the world suffer from dirty and scarce water. Every year, we help up to 500,000 people get new access to drinking water and basic sanitation.

Why water matters

If you live in a developed country, you probably consume at least 150 liters of clean water per day for cooking, cleaning and washing. That is approximately two full bathtubs.

While many of us take water for granted, women and girls in poor communities often spend several hours a day fetching water on their heads and backs. Despite significant progress in recent years, three in ten people around the world lack access to safe water at home, and almost six in ten to sanitation. Most illnesses in developing countries are caused by dirty water and poor hygiene.

Our work

Helvetas places the human right to water and sanitation at the center of its work. We support the poorest not only in their efforts to build wells and latrines. Helvetas promotes a comprehensive approach that includes distributing water resources fairly, sustainably managing water supply services, efficiently irrigating fields, and improving hygiene practices.

In the past five years, over 2,000,000 people have gained access to clean water and sanitation with the help of Helvetas.

Our Working Principles and Approaches

We strive for a fairer world in which everyone can fulfill their basic needs. We support people in taking charge of improving their livelihoods sustainably.