Our Guiding Beliefs

• Access to water is a basic human right.
• Providing people with safe water systems, latrines, and hygiene education is the first step to ending the cycle of poverty and death.
• We support integrated water, sanitation, and hygiene education projects to provide the maximum impact on the health of beneficiary communities.
• Water projects allow children to be healthy and well-nourished so they no longer need to sacrifice attending school, studying, or playing to spend time collecting water.
• Water projects are the foundation on which communities are built. Water projects reduce women’s daily work load and allow them to devote their energies to the activities that build a strong community.
• The individuals and communities who benefit from Water 1st-supported projects must be involved in all aspects of planning, implementation, and long-term operation and maintenance of their projects. They should make informed choices about the projects that best suit their needs.
• Water 1st does not directly implement projects. Rather, we support the work of local partner organizations who have a unique understanding of local needs, and have proven their ability to undertake sustainable and appropriate water, sanitation, and hygiene education projects.
• A vital part of our work is sharing experience and learning with our partners and other organizations working to end poverty and the global water crisis.
• The dedication of the Water 1st staff, board, volunteers, supporters, and local partner organizations is crucial to our success.