Water 1st International's Mission

Water 1st’s mission is to serve families in the poorest communities in the world as they implement community-managed projects that integrate water supply, sanitation, and health education.

Why Water 1st?

We envision a world free of extreme poverty. Providing people with safe water systems, latrines, and hygiene education is the 1st step to ending the cycle of poverty and death.

The lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitary latrines is the top public health problem in the world and the number-one killer of children in the world. Lack of access to clean water has a devastating effect on women and girls who are traditionally responsible for water collection.

Water 1st wants to unite people to fight this worldwide, silent catastrophe. We believe the global water crisis will be solved when we build a community of concerned individuals and motivate and mobilize them to take simple, effective actions.

People living in extreme poverty have many needs, but we believe water comes 1st. Water projects are the foundation on which strong communities are built. Through provision of sustainable water, sanitation, and health projects, our goal is to address the most fundamental issues of childhood death, poverty and gender equality.

Please join us in our quest to change lives and save lives by making a donation to Water 1st, or getting involved in the Water 1st community.

2006 Annual Report PDF is available for download.

Learn more about our response to the global water crisis.

Water 1st 2006 Form 990 (PDF)